Events

Epidemiology Chapter Meeting 2010

Pre Conference Workshop: Making sense of science: Critical appraisal and evidence synthesis
for clinicians and epidemiologists

Venue: Gallery Room, Gold Coast International Hotel, Surfers Paradise, Queensland.
Monday 28 June 2010 - Wednesday 30 June 2010.
Cost: Members AUD 695 non-members AUD 995.
Registration form: click here.
Contact: Chris Morley.

The ability to read, understand and critically appraise research and literature is an essential skill for veterinary and medical practitioners and epidemiologists. With the amount of information available to us increasing, it is important to spend our limited time reading documents that will be useful and relevant for our area of work. This course offers a set of tools and an easy-to-use approach for 'making sense of science' with a focus on epidemiology- the process of reading a scientific article, identifying its main findings, assessing its methodological quality, and understanding how the results can be put to practical use.

Led by Professor Mark Elwood of the British Columbia Cancer Agency, this 3 day course will take you from zero to hero. Topics covered will include:

  • Why we need to evaluate literature.
  • Working out what the results mean.
  • Types of research and levels of evidence.
  • Reasons why published science may be unreliable, and how to detect unreliability.
  • Using appraisal tools/checklists.

The aim is to highlight the fundamental principles of critical appraisal using a clear, concise and simplified approach. No prior knowledge will be assumed, and you'll be guided from basic ideas to advanced concepts using diagrams, case scenarios and hands-on workshop sessions. The course is based on the successful course held at Massey University Epicentre, New Zealand, in 2008.

Who will benefit? Anyone who needs to assess the quality and validity of biomedical information: veterinary and medical clinicians, epidemiologists, those involved in research, the pharmaceutical industry, and government. This course will also be of great benefit for those sitting their Australian College of Veterinary Science membership examinations as the ability to assess veterinary literature is regularly examined.

Mark Elwood

Mark Elwood is an epidemiologist and public health medicine specialist (MD, DSc, FRCPC, MBA), and currently Vice-President of Family and Community Oncology at the British Columbia Cancer Agency, which provides cancer care services, including screening, for the 4.4 million people in that province. He holds Professorial positions at the University of British Columbia and Monash University, Melbourne.

Previously he has been Professor of Cancer Epidemiology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, Director of the National Cancer Control Initiative in Australia, and head of the department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine at the University of Nottingham, in England. He has been extensively involved in research and program development in cancer prevention and screening. He has strong interests in evidence-based health care and the use of scientific knowledge in policy development. He has produced over 250 scientific papers and several books, including the text for this course.

 

Here's what they said about the 2nd edition ... 

'I recommend a close look at this book by those who teach critical appraisal and by anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the underlying methods.' RCPSC Annals (Sept 1998).

' ... a useful resource for health care providers and managers who wish to learn a basic approach to critical appraisal of medical literature. ... a very good resource for health practitioners, managers, and policy makers who wish to enhance their ability to make sound judgements regarding the use of published information. -- Overall rating - Very good' Chronic Diseases in Canada (Nov 1998).

'This book, designed for those without research experience, provides encouragement to the development of the analytical skills necessary to complement other professional skills ... The book will have value and appeal for anyone who wishes to think more critically about health issues and the way information about them is presented.' Journal of the Institute of Health Education.

Click here for a course flyer and complete program details.

Click here for ACVSc conference registration details.

Click here for details on booking accomodation at the Gold Coast International Hotel.