My Systematic Review Struggles

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis are common terms used interchangeably in academia and research. They basically mean 'research about research' but have some important differences. As part of my PhD work I am conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis focussing on exercise for postmenopausal breast cancer patients. To describe this work as a smooth process would be a big fat lie, as I feel I have definitely underestimated the amount of workload and potential setbacks involved with this genre of research. In this post I will talk you through my review work so far and what I have learned throughout this process. 

Applying for ethical approval

 

All studies which involve people as participants need a research ethics committee (REC) review, and I as the principal investigator  (lead researcher on the study I guess?), I am responsible for seeking this review. This is where I am currently at on my research journey, perfecting documents to send to the review board. I am currently NEARLY FINISHED MY FIRST DRAFT of my ethical review form to send to my supervisors and wider EDGE team for review and feedback before I submit it EEEK! Submitting my ethics and getting ethical approval is a very significant point in my PhD timeline, as this will determine if we are allowed to go ahead with my planned studies.