Workshop on Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (SRMA) at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagaruru
Introduction
The Scientific Committee of BGS Medical College & Hospital (BGSMCH) successfully organised a three-day intensive workshop on Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (SRMA) from 26th to 28th February 2026 at the MEU Hall, BGS CMCH, ACU Bengaluru Campus.
The workshop was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Dr. K. S. Gangadhara, Dean cum Principal and Chairperson, Scientific Committee; Dr. V. R. Krishnamurthy, Chief of Hospital; and Dr. Raghuram V, Vice Dean – Research and Member Secretary, Scientific Committee.
Distinguished Resource Faculty
The workshop was conducted by eminent experts in systematic reviews, meta-analysis, epidemiology, and biostatistics:
- Dr. R. Parthasarathi – Associate Professor, Community Medicine, KAPV Government Medical College, Trichy
- Dr. Bhumika T. V. – Director, Campbell Collaboration South Asia
- Dr. Richard Kirubakaran – Director, Centre for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Medicine (CBEBM), Vellore
- Dr. Ravishankar N – Associate Professor, Department of Statistics, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi
- Dr. Uttara Partap – Assistant Professor, Isaac Centre for Public Health, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
The programme was awarded 5 Credit Hours by the Karnataka Medical Council, underscoring its academic rigor and professional value. The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from 41 delegates, including 23 faculty members from BGS Medical College & Hospital and 18 participants representing various medical institutions across Karnataka, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu.
Day-wise Academic Proceedings
Day 1: Foundations of Systematic Review
The first day began with registration and introduction of faculty and participants, followed by an overview of the three-day programme.
The academic sessions covered:
- Introduction to Systematic Reviews
- Study designs, variables, and statistical measures relevant to SR & MA
- General outline and structure of a Systematic Review
- Steps in conducting a systematic review
- Framing a Systematic Review question using the PICO framework
- Demonstration of published systematic reviews and protocols in PROSPERO
- Writing and publishing SR protocols
Interactive components included:
- Group Activity: Framing a systematic review question, PICO, and search strategies, Developing and implementing literature search strategies
The day concluded with structured discussions on search strategies and screening processes.
Day 2: Screening, Data Extraction, and Meta-Analysis
Day 2 focused on the technical and analytical components of systematic reviews.
Sessions included:
- Delegates presentations of all group activities
- Literature Screening process
- Final article selection and PRISMA framework
- Data extraction processes and data entry packages
- Preparing data for analysis
- Introduction to meta-analysis
- Random and fixed effects models
- Meta-analysis for categorical and continuous outcomes
- Heterogeneity assessment and adjustments
- Forest plot generation and interpretation
- Publication bias assessment
- Demonstration of meta-analysis using RevMan
Hands-on activities included:
- Group Activity: Screening and Protocol Draft 1; Data extraction and data entry using RevMan; data entry and meta-analysis; Preparation of Protocol Draft 2
Participants actively engaged in practical exercises, gaining confidence in conducting meta-analysis independently.
Day 3: Advanced Analysis, Writing, and Publication
The final day addressed advanced methodological aspects and dissemination.
Key sessions included:
- Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression
- Quality assessment and Risk of Bias
- AI applications in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Further reading references and research guidance
Interactive components:
- Group Activity : Final protocol draft incorporating all components, Protocol presentation
- Feedback session and concluding remarks
Participation and Outcome
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members and postgraduate students across departments. The structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and hands-on training significantly enhanced participants’ competence in designing, conducting, and publishing systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of BGS Medical College & Hospital and the Scientific Committee toward strengthening research capacity, promoting evidence-based practice, and fostering academic excellence.
This workshop contributes to the advancement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by strengthening research capacity and promoting evidence-based healthcare. The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being by promoting evidence-based clinical decision-making and improved healthcare outcomes. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education through capacity building in research methodology and critical appraisal skills among medical faculty and researchers. Additionally, the workshop fosters academic collaboration and knowledge exchange, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals by bringing together experts and participants from multiple institutions to strengthen research networks and partnerships.
