Short Overview
The program focuses on meta-analytical techniques as applied in medical or behavioral sciences using R libraries. Methods for preparing and collecting meta-analytic data, data visualization charts, analysis of fixed and random effects, ways to measure heterogeneity in studies, meta-regression analysis, introduction to network meta-analysis techniques, as well as additional methods for combining p-values or correlation coefficients, are taught.
Learning Goals
Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:
- Understand the utility of meta-analysis, its organization, and how data collection can be conducted.
- Comprehend the differences between the two approaches (fixed and random effects) in meta-analysis.
- Perform meta-analyses using both approaches in the R language.
- Interpret the results of the analysis.
- Assess the heterogeneity of studies for meta-analysis and choose the most appropriate of the two approaches.
- Explain study heterogeneity for analysis using meta-regression.
- Use the R language to perform indirect comparisons between subpopulations from data across different studies (network meta-analysis).
Program Value
The program provides the necessary knowledge and skills for conducting meta-analysis of data using R libraries derived from randomized or non-randomized clinical trials and drawing conclusions from it.
Evaluation Method And Final Grade Computation
The performance of each student is evaluated by preparing a final assignment. Successful completion of the program and award of a training certificate requires a final grade of at least 50%.
Learning Method Description
The program uses the eLearning educational method: learning takes place purely asynchronously (that is, on days and hours that serve the trainee, without mandatory attendance at a specific time or day), exclusively remotely (using a special educational platform via the internet from the trainee's area) and using digital educational tools that ensure effective and flexible individual self-learning. The program's training material becomes available at specific time periods, based on the training path followed, and then remains available on the training platform without restrictions throughout the duration of the program.