This course introduces the principles of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, with a focus on the potentials and limitations of this study design, including the problematic, massive rise of such analyses in the literature. The identification and exploration of between-study heterogeneity and of sources of bias, and the issues arising in meta-analysis of observational studies will be covered.

The format of the course includes lectures and the critical appraisal of published meta-analyses in groups. Hands-on practicals in R cover basic meta-analysis and meta-regression. The course is based on the third edition of the book Systematic Reviews in Health Research: Meta-Analysis in Context (John Wiley & Sons, 2022, DOI:10.1002/9781119099369), but students do not need to purchase the book.

After successful completion of this course, students will have gained an understanding of the potential and limitations of systematic reviews and meta-analysis and be able to conduct their own, simple analyses.