SEMINAR ON EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS 2025

The PhD Vertical of Pillar II: Exemplary Research and Innovation, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), organized a two-day seminar on Evidence Synthesis on 26th and 27th November 2025 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Dr Judith A. Noronha, Dean, MCON, welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the program. The Chief Guest, Dr Naveen S. Salins, Director-Research, Directorate of Research, MAHE, emphasized the importance of incorporating evidence into practice for the benefit of stakeholders.

The first day commenced with a session on Introduction to Evidence Synthesis by Dr Divya Sussana Patil, Assistant Professor, Prasanna School of Public Health, MAHE, who provided a comprehensive overview and explained the differences between scoping and systematic reviews. This was followed by a session on Formulating Research Questions by Dr Judith A. Noronha, highlighting the PICO format. An interactive hands-on session on Literature Search Strategies was conducted by Mr Elstin Anbu Raj S, Research Fellow, Prasanna School of Public Health, introducing various databases and demonstrating how to build and run search strategies. Dr Edlin Glane Mathias, Assistant Professor, Prasanna School of Public Health, engaged participants in screening and selection of studies using Rayyan software. The day concluded with a session on Data Extraction and Management by Dr Shalini Ganesh Nayak, Assistant Professor, MCON, focusing on handling missing data during systematic reviews.

The second day began with a session on Critical Appraisal and Risk of Bias by Dr Sonia R. B. D’Souza, Professor, MCON, who facilitated interactive exercises on appraising research articles. Dr Preethy D’Souza, Senior Research Fellow, UCL Institute of Education, UK, introduced frameworks for narrative and thematic synthesis. Post-lunch, Dr Anil Raj A., Assistant Professor, MCON, delivered a session on Introduction to Meta-Analysis, covering effect measures, pooled estimates, approaches, and benefits of meta-analysis. The seminar concluded with a session on Reporting and Dissemination in Systematic Reviews by Dr Baby S. Nayak, Professor, MCON, through exercises using the PRISMA 2020 checklist.

The seminar contributed to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and benefited 17 participants from various disciplines and states across the country. It was convened by Dr Shalini G. Nayak under the guidance of Dr Baby S. Nayak, Chairperson, PhD Vertical, and Dr Tessy Treesa Jose, Head, Pillar II: Exemplary Research and Innovation, MCON, MAHE.