Delivery format
Online
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (SR&MADTA Studies) (Online) Non-credit
- Start dateApril 2026Duration2 days/optional +1 day
- AwardNon-credit bearing
- Entry requirementsThis course is suitable for all researchers interested in undertaking a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy.
- Fees (UK/Ireland)CPD course fees vary. Please see fee details for more information.
Course overview
The course is designed for researchers seeking to apply rigorous methods to systematic reviews and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.
Course delivery will include sessions where key content, theory and examples will be presented and self-directed or small group activities where you will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge and ask questions.
The course is delivered by members of the Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis, Test Evaluation And prediction Modelling (BESTEAM) research team at University of Birmingham. Members of the Team edited and authored the recently published Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy.
Course delivery
Day 1 covers the core methods for conducting a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy studies, from development of the review question through to methodological quality assessment.
Day 2 sets out considerations related to planning analyses and provides a basic understanding of approaches to conducting, interpreting and displaying the results of meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy data. We also cover approaches to presenting and interpreting review findings using summary tables and plain language summaries.
The optional Day 3 of the course provides the opportunity for learning how to conduct meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy data via hands-on practicals, using either STATA or R programmes.
Course dates
Course dates: 20th April to 21st April (2 day course)
Couse dates: 20th April to 22nd April (3 day course)
Last day to book: 13th April 2026
Further dates to be added
Teaching staff
Dr Clare Davenport
Clinical Associate Professor
Associate Clinical Professor who is a member of the Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis, Test Evaluation and Modelling team.
Dr Jacqueline Dinnes
Senior Research Fellow
Senior Research Fellow in the Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis, Test Evaluation and Modelling team .
Dr Ridhi Agarwal
Medical statistician
Medical statistician in the Test Evaluation Research Group in the Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis and Test Evaluation research group.
Dr Sarah Berhane
Medical Statistician
Research fellow in medical statistics based in the Department of Applied Health Sciences.
Professor Jon Deeks
Professor of Biostatistics
Professor of Biostatistics and leads the NIHR Birmingham BRC theme of Data, Decision making and Diagnostic Tests.
Entry requirements
The two-day course is suitable for individuals undertaking health technology assessment, health service researchers and healthcare professionals interested in conducting and interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of diagnostic test accuracy studies.
The optional third day is suitable for researchers who have completed days one and two of the SR&MADTA course and who wish to develop the statistical skills required to undertake a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.
Fees and scholarships
Academics:
£400 for 2 days
£600 for 3 days
Industry:
£600 for 2 days
£900 for 3 days
UoB staff / students:
£200 for 2 days
£300 for 3 days
CMH please get in contact with cmhcpdenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Application process
Please book now via our online shop the last day to book is 13th April but there are limited spaces. If you have any queries, please email cmhcpdenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
The courses have minimum required attendance levels and the University reserves the right to cancel or postpone the course if the minimum required number of delegates has not been achieved for the course.
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