Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: The issue of combining data from different traditions is of increasing importance as qualitative research is now being integrated within Cochrane reviews.
Objectives: To describe the process of and results derived from conducting a systematic review in which we, as one of the first Cochrane registered reviews, integrated qualitative data.
Methods: The Cochrane guidance on including qualitative evidence in effectiveness reviews was used to design an integrative methodological approach, which aimed to inform and extend the review, as defined in Chapter 20 of The Cochrane Handbook. We present the first phases of the review, in which the integrative approach was used with the aim of informing the effectiveness review question and Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome(PICO) elements. We conducted a systematic literature search and used content analysis to identify key concepts in included studies. A data recording form was used to identify text units pertaining to review elements and determine the frequency of categories. Dominant categories were used to form suggestions for refinement of the protocol.
Results: The literature search for qualitative studies to inform the review yielded 66 studies of which 54 were examined in fulltext. Five studies met our pre-defined inclusion criteria. Based on these studies several dominant categories emerged within the PICO element areas population and outcome. Thus, we refined the protocol with respect to these elements by adding subgroup analyses and outcomes not already included. Challenges encountered during the process were skills required for synthesis of qualitative evidence, and practical integration of modifications within the Archie system. The merits of our approach included upholding expected standards of rigour and transparency, applying systematic methods, and heeding the importance of patient perspectives in health care.
Conclusions: This review illustrates how qualitative evidence can add value to a review of effect and shows how incorporating qualitative material need not compromise the trusted methods of the Cochrane Collaboration.
Objectives: To describe the process of and results derived from conducting a systematic review in which we, as one of the first Cochrane registered reviews, integrated qualitative data.
Methods: The Cochrane guidance on including qualitative evidence in effectiveness reviews was used to design an integrative methodological approach, which aimed to inform and extend the review, as defined in Chapter 20 of The Cochrane Handbook. We present the first phases of the review, in which the integrative approach was used with the aim of informing the effectiveness review question and Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome(PICO) elements. We conducted a systematic literature search and used content analysis to identify key concepts in included studies. A data recording form was used to identify text units pertaining to review elements and determine the frequency of categories. Dominant categories were used to form suggestions for refinement of the protocol.
Results: The literature search for qualitative studies to inform the review yielded 66 studies of which 54 were examined in fulltext. Five studies met our pre-defined inclusion criteria. Based on these studies several dominant categories emerged within the PICO element areas population and outcome. Thus, we refined the protocol with respect to these elements by adding subgroup analyses and outcomes not already included. Challenges encountered during the process were skills required for synthesis of qualitative evidence, and practical integration of modifications within the Archie system. The merits of our approach included upholding expected standards of rigour and transparency, applying systematic methods, and heeding the importance of patient perspectives in health care.
Conclusions: This review illustrates how qualitative evidence can add value to a review of effect and shows how incorporating qualitative material need not compromise the trusted methods of the Cochrane Collaboration.