Preparing for a Systematic Review

Module code: NUR7055-B

Module Aims

This module aims to support students to enable them to prepare to undertake a systematic review. A comprehensive approach will be taken to facilitate student knowledge and understanding of the systematic review process. Students will be offered an overview of common research approaches, protocol development, literature search and retrieval, critical appraisal of literature, data extraction, data synthesis and dissemination.

Outline Syllabus

This module will provide an overview of common research approaches and statistical tests used within health and social care research. It will examine the importance of adopting a systematic approach in reviewing and appraising published literature and identify the components of a systematic review. Students will be supported through the stages of designing a systematic review protocol, including development of the review question; search terms; search strategy; identifying and retrieving research evidence; inclusion and exclusion criteria; critical appraisal of research evidence; evidence synthesis and meta-analysis; report writing and dissemination. Through developing an understanding of the process of undertaking a systematic review and its utility in clinical practice, students will be develop insight into the value of systematic reviews within health and social care practice, education and research.

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