Academy of Evidence-based Pediatric Urology

Literature Reviews and Meta-analyses

The Academy of Evidence-based Paediatric Urology – Literature Reviews and Meta-analyses (AEPU) is a dedicated academic and research initiative housed within the Division of Paediatric Urology at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). AEPU is committed to advancing the quality of paediatric urologic care through rigorous evidence synthesis, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and health services research.

Our multidisciplinary team includes paediatric urologists, clinician-scientists, trainees, and research professionals working collaboratively to inform clinical practice, support policy development, and promote evidence-based standards. AEPU actively engages in multi-institutional and international collaborations, strengthening its impact across diverse health-care systems and contributing to global paediatric urology knowledge.

Our Mission

AEPU aims to:

• Generate and synthesize high-level clinical evidence to improve patient outcomes.
• Reduce variability in care practices across health systems.
• Support best practices in paediatric urology globally through rigorous research.

What we do

• Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of surgical techniques, diagnostic modalities, perioperative care strategies, and conservative management protocols.
• Health Services Research: Analyze and assess current clinical practices to inform policy and guideline development.
• Guideline Contributions: Our work is frequently cited in international guidelines and consensus statements by organizations such as the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS), American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), and European Association of Urology (EAU).

Education & Training

Summer Research & Training Program

AEPU offers a structured Summer Research and Training Program designed for medical students, pre-medical students, and early-stage trainees interested in evidence-based clinical research. Participants will engage in mentored, team-based projects focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric urology.

Program Highlights:

• Development of research questions using the PICOS framework.
• Protocol design and registration (e.g., via PROSPERO).
• Comprehensive literature searching and data extraction.
• Risk of bias assessment and methodological quality appraisal.
• Data synthesis, interpretation, and meta-analytic techniques.
• Scientific writing, authorship ethics, and publication strategy.

Academic Contributions

Over the past decade, AEPU has led or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed reviews, including scoping, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. These publications have become cornerstone citations in international guidelines and consensus statements.

Selected Publications:

• Kim J, et al. Effectiveness of tunica albuginea incision and tunica vaginalis flap for testicular torsion: a systematic review. World J Urol. 2025;43(1):246.
• Ahmad I, et al. Robotic surgery for paediatric neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a systematic review. BJU Int. 2025;135(4):557–566.
• Chua ME, et al. Mitrofanoff complications: time-to-event analysis of split versus intact appendix and meta-analysis. World J Urol. 2025;43(1):90.

For a comprehensive list of our publications, please contact us.

Team & Governance

AEPU is led by a faculty lead with a team with expertise in literature review and evidence synthesis. The core team includes faculty members from paediatric urology, a designated research coordinator or librarian, and collaborators from translational medicine, biostatistics and computer science. Membership is open to medical students, residents, research fellows, and interested specialists.

The group functions as an independent academic and research unit with a clear mandate, regular programming, and defined deliverables. Governance includes quarterly planning meetings and an annual report to the Division head summarizing academic activities, publications, and participant feedback.