The Campus Muttenz Library, together with the University Medical Library Basel, offers a certified continuing education programme for research and publication support of systematic reviews (and related study types) at the FHNW School of Life Sciences. The CAS programme focuses on examples from various health-related fields and also draws from other disciplines wherever possible and is open to participants from all empirical disciplines. The CAS programme includes learning on how to:
conduct systematic literature searches
create transparent and reproducible reports
provide specific methodological advice
Content
Fields of activity
Professional background
Roles
Differentiation from other professional groups Review types
Systematic review process
Guidelines and frameworks
Formulating a research question
Developing a publication/dissemination plan
Protocol/pre-registration
Evaluating the quality of studies
Synthesising qualitative and quantitative research results
Developing the search strategy
Selecting search tools
Search syntax
Compiling search terms
Using controlled vocabulary
Testing the search strategy
Auto Alerts
Exporting references
De-duplicating references
Screening references
Obtaining full texts
Citation searching
Updating the search
Specific guidelines, checklists
Analysing different types of documentation/reporting
Publishing your search strategy
Strategic approach
Designing the service
Practising support sessions
Curating materials
Using your own topic of interest
Process support and feedback from lecturers
Presenting the final thesis
Organisation
The CAS programme is aimed at university graduates from all empirical disciplines. It is particularly for those in academic libraries, universities and research institutions who regularly support and/or participate in systematic review teams.
The admission criteria are defined in the programme description (see downloads).
Participants complete the CAS programme with a systematic research project in accordance with the methodological requirements (final thesis). On completion of the programme, participants will know
the job description of information specialists and their various roles
the methodological requirements (completeness, transparency, reproducibility) for conducting systematic reviews and the methodological processes involved
specific guidelines, frameworks and digital tools for carrying out the individual steps of systematic reviews, and be able to apply these
qualitative/quantitative methods for synthesising evidence and be able to carry out an independent systematic literature search in a relevant area, document it and write it up as part of a scientific publication
strategies for establishing and publicising the service in their institution
how to advise researchers on systematic reviews
the most important resources for following methodological developments in systematic review implementation, and thus continuously and independently expand their knowledge
The CAS programme requires around 250 hours of work, divided into:
3 attendance blocks of 2.5 days each (Fri/Sat plus Sunday morning in January, February and June)
48 online lessons (16 evenings or Saturdays with 3 lessons each, from January to June)
Final thesis (approx. 50-60 hours, July to December)
For accommodation during attendance blocks in Muttenz, please note that prices may be more affordable in close by towns in Germany or France. Public transport within the greater Basel area is excellent, we recommend the SBB app for easy public transport navigation
PD Dr Christian Appenzeller-Herzog (University Medical Library Basel)
Dr Hannah Ewald (University Medical Library Basel)
Dr Thomas Fürst (University Medical Library Basel)
Dr Heike Gerger (Department of Family Medicine, Maastricht University and Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam)
Dr Julian Hirt (RefHunter; Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel; OST - University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland)
Dr Andreas Ledl (Head of New Philologies, Economics and Educational Science, Zurich University Library)
Maria-Inti Metzendorf (Institute of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf)
Monika Wechsler (University Medical Library Basel)
All lecturers are fluent in German and can help if critical understanding issues arise during the live lessons.
The University Medical Library in Basel offers three scholarships in the amount of CHF 3,500 for participation in the CAS programme. To apply, please complete this application form and send it together with your CV to cmVzZWFyY2gtbWVkbGliQHVuaWJhcy5jaA== by October 1, 2024. You will be informed by the end of October whether or not your application has been successful. Please note that registration slots for the CAS programme are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis (registration deadline November 22, 2024) and application for the scholarship will not reserve a registration slot for participation in the CAS programme.
The CAS Systematic Review Information Specialist programme offered excellent complementary training for my professional development from medical communications specialist to research librarian and information specialist in a university library. The combination of in-person and online class time integrated well with my work schedule. The in-class exercises and final project provided opportunities for immediate application of the skills learned during the course. Access to FHNW resources facilitated familiarization with a broad range of subject area-specific bibliographical databases. Finally, the diverse group of participants and instructors synergized to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment – what more could one want from continuing professional education?
