Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses: Methodology of Synthesizing Evidence

Graduate / Professional

Evidence-based medicine and health care uses best current evidence in addressing clinical or public health questions. This course introduces principles of evidence-based practice in formulating clinical or public health questions, systematically searching for evidence, and applying it to the question. Types of questions considered include: examining the comparative effectiveness and safety of clinical and public health interventions, disease etiology (risk factor analysis), diagnostic testing, and prognosis. Particular consideration is given to the methodology of synthesizing evidence in a systematic review. Also addressed is the role of evidence in informing economic analysis of health care programs, and clinical and public health practice guidelines. Using a problem-based approach, students contribute actively to the classes and small-group sessions. Students complete a systematic review in their own field of interest using Cochrane Collaboration methodology and software. Open only to students enrolled in the Executive Online M.P.H. Program. Prerequisites: EPH 534E (Foundations of Epidemiology and Public Health). Not open to auditors. T 9pm-10pm