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Knowledge Synthesis & Systematic Reviews

Systematic & Scoping Review Workshop Information

Are you considering doing a systematic, scoping, or rapid review but don’t know how to get started? Attend our 5-part series that explores all aspects of comprehensive searching for a knowledge synthesis project. These sessions will focus on the actual skills needed to complete the documenting, searching, translation, deduplication, and screening processes of a systematic, scoping, rapid, or other large-scale comprehensive review. Participants will gain a solid understanding of what is needed to complete a systematic review and why they are an essential part of evidence-based practice.

Graduate students who register and attend all 5 sessions in Spring 2025 will have it added to their Experience Record

All sessions are online. 

  • The Essentials of Systematic and Scoping Reviews - Wed April 23, 2025 from 12-1pm - REGISTER
  • Organization and Reporting for Systematic and Scoping Reviews - Wed May 7, 2025 from 12-1pm - REGISTER
  • Advanced Searching in Systematic and Scoping Reviews - Wed May 14, 2025 from 12-130pm - REGISTER
  • Efficient Database Searching for Systematic and Scoping Reviews - Wed May 21, 2025 from 12-1pm - REGISTER
  • The Use of AI in Systematic and Scoping Reviews - Wed May 28. 2025 from 12-1pm - REGISTER

Workshop Descriptions

Part 1: The Essentials of Systematic and Scoping Reviews

Discover the foundational elements needed to carry out a knowledge synthesis review and what types of reviews to consider including systematic or scoping reviews.  This session provides an introduction to helpful tools and resources to develop a plan to carry out a publishable review.

By the end of the session participants will be able to:

  • Define a systematic review and scoping review
  • Review the standard process of a systematic review and a scoping review
  • Identify the tools and resources needed to complete a systematic review or scoping review

Part 2: Organization and Reporting for Systematic and Scoping Reviews 

For those embarking on a a systematic or scoping review, this session offers vital insights into necessary preparations. Learn to set up  accounts across relevant programs, establish structured folder systems for seamless organization, and gain expert advice on documenting and conserving searches essential for protocol development.

By the end of this sessions participants will be able to:

  • Outline what information needs to be documented for a systematic or scoping review
  • Discuss systematic and scoping review protocol formats
  • Create a file structure to organize all relevant files
  • Explore tips and tricks to ensure proper record keeping

Part 3: Advanced Searching for Systematic and Scoping Reviews

Dive deeper into the intricacies of systematic and scoping reviews by mastering advanced search strategies. Explore the nuances of concept building, the importance of using subject terms and keywords, database shortcuts, and syntax essentials. Uncover invaluable tips on maximizing the potential of OVID databases for advanced searching, supplemented with a guided practice search for practical application.

By the end of the session participants will be able to:

  • Turn a research question into a searchable topic using a structured concept based approach
  • Explore the differences between controlled vocabulary and keywords
  • Practice using the above techniques to build an advanced search

Part 4: Efficient Database Searching for Systematic and Scoping Reviews

This session provides practical advice and tips for taking an OVID Medline search strategy and translating it for use in other databases. Included will be a discussion of which databases to consider for your systematic or scoping review, how to document and search strategies, and exporting your results.

By the end of the session participants will be able to:

  • Identify key databases based on research topic
  • Compare the varying vocabulary and syntax in different databases
  • Practice saving, editing, and documenting searches
  • Translate an Ovid MEDLINE search into EMBASE

Part 5: The Use of AI in Systematic and Scoping Reviews 

Artificial intelligence (AI)  is changing how systematic and scoping review work is completed. Come to this presentation to explore which parts of the review process can be streamlined or enhanced with AI tools. Included in the session will be a discussion of the inherent challenges and benefits of using AI as part of the research process.

By the end of the session participants will be able to:

  • Describe how AI can be used in systematic and scoping reviews
  • Identify which AI tools are helpful for different systematic and scoping review tasks
  • Outline potential problems and benefits in using AI to complete systematic and scoping reviews