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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 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Included in an ExpertTrack

    Course 3 of 3
  • Get full ExpertTrack access

    $39/monthFind out more

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?

Universiti Malaya

Universiti Malaya is the premier research university in Malaysia, committed to advancing knowledge and learning through quality research and education for the nation and for humanity.

  • Established

    1905
  • Location

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • World ranking

    Top 60Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

About this ExpertTrack

Master evidence-based strategies, systematic reviews, and critical appraisal techniques with this Universiti Malaya ExpertTrack.

Start learning today - free 2-day trial

After your free trial you can:

  • Pay $39 per month to keep learning online
  • Have complete control over your subscription; you can cancel any time
  • Work at your own pace and set your own deadlines at every stage
  • Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish
  • Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills
  • Earn digital course certificates and a final award that you can share online, with potential employers, and your professional network
  • Keep access to the content of courses you complete even after your subscription ends

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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