This course is part of the Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Research ExpertTrack
Mastering Evidence-Based Practice: Systematic Review and Risk of Bias Assessment
Develop the skills to conduct, report, and assess systematic reviews in healthcare research.

Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it worksIncluded in an ExpertTrack
Course 3 of 3
Mastering Evidence-Based Practice: Systematic Review and Risk of Bias Assessment
Conduct high-quality systematic reviews using PRISMA guidelines
Equip yourself with the skills to complete a systematic review of your healthcare research with the Universiti Malaya, transforming the way you interpret evidence, influence policy, and drive clinical decisions.
In two weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience conducting, reporting, and assessing these reviews using the PRISMA guidelines – ensuring your research meets the rigour and transparency of international standards.
Build a strong foundation in systematic reviews
You’ll begin this course with an in-depth introduction to the concept of systematic reviews. You’ll explore the essential six-step process, breaking down complex research methodologies into practical, actionable steps.
By the end of the first week, you’ll have a clear roadmap for conducting a high-quality systematic review with confidence.
Strengthen your ability to assess research quality
The second half of this course will focus on the concept of risk and bias, and how it impacts the quality of a study.
Using validated assessment tools, you’ll uncover hidden biases in research, interpret their impact, and create compelling visual summaries.
By refining your appraisal skills, you’ll be equipped to distinguish high-quality evidence from misleading conclusions—ensuring your research contributes meaningfully to evidence-based medicine.
Continue your learning with the experts at the Universiti Malaya
This course is led by Prof. Rafdzah Binti Ahmad Zaki, a Public Health Medicine Specialist and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.
With her research and clinical expertise, you’ll gain valuable insights into evidence-based practice, helping you apply research findings in real time.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to systematic review
Getting started
Before you get started, we would like to give you an overview of the course and introduce you to our instructor.
Conducting a systematic review
We’ll introduce the fundamental concept of conducting a systematic review and also gains new expertise in structuring and presenting systematic reviews.
Reporting a systematic review
Learn how to produce a well-structured report of a systematic review, demonstrates the ability to synthesize and present findings comprehensively.
Weekly wrap up
Let's wrap up! What have you learned so far? Let's do some reflections!
Week 2
Assessing study quality and risk of bias
Understand the concept of risk and bias in assessing study quality
Let's learn about the concept of risk and bias in assessing study quality.
Tool for assessing study quality and risk of bias
Learn about the tools used for assessing study quality & risk of bias.
Weekly wrap up
Let's wrap up! What have you learned so far? Let's do some reflections!
Course wrap up
Congratulations! You've successfully completed the Systematic Review and Risk of Bias Assessment course. Well done on reaching the end of this learning journey!
Prove you're job ready
Highlight the new, job-relevant skills you’ve gained and supplement existing qualifications with a hard-earned, industry-specific digital certificate – plus one for every course within your ExpertTrack.
- Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
- Complete each course and pass assessments.
- Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
- Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
- Make your career dreams a reality.
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Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Conducting a systematic review.
- Reporting a systematic review.
- Understand the concept of risk and bias in assessing study quality.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and students looking to develop their skills in evidence-based practice.
Whether you’re conducting research, shaping healthcare policies, or applying findings in clinical settings, this course will equip you with the essential techniques to critically appraise and synthesise research effectively.
Should you like to bolster your research techniques further, continue your learning on the Universiti of Malaya’s online ExpertTrack.
Who will you learn with?
I am a Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Social & Preventive Medicine at Universiti Malaya. My expertise is in infectious diseases, research methodology, and biostatistics.
Who developed the course?
Established
1905Location
Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaWorld ranking
Top 60Source: QS World University Rankings 2021
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Map your progress
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- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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