This one day workshop provides a brief overview of the development and use of three principal methods of qualitative evidence synthesis; thematic synthesis, framework synthesis and meta-ethnography. These three methods are endorsed as the methods of choice by the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Research Group and collectively they represent a versatile toolkit of approaches to handling qualitative data within systematic reviews. This workshop will offer experience of conducting all three approaches and the strengths and weaknesses of each method will be rehearsed and then demonstrated. Key references in methodological development and reporting standards will be explored against a backdrop of Cochrane methodological guidance and alongside exemplars of each type of research output. The workshop will allow participants to shape their own views of what method works best under different circumstances. Brief reference will also be made to applied examples of these methods such as rapid QES and mega-ethnography.
Skill level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, decision-makers and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows who have identified a review topic and are ready to begin working on their protocol.
Prerequisites: Delegates should be familiar with the overall process of systematic review, preferably as it relates to qualitative evidence synthesis.
Teaching strategies: The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations, small group and individual exercises. A variety of worksheets and handouts will be provided to encourage practical engagement with learning from the course and further reference to additional resources.
Facilitators: Andrew Booth is a Professor in Evidence Synthesis at the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield.