Article type
Year
Abstract
Objectives:
Participants will gain: • a clearer understanding of the contribution of Cochrane reviews of effectiveness to the broader movement of synthesising knowledge; and • a rationale for choosing between different approaches to synthesis.
Description:
Synthesis methods range from statistical meta-analysis and meta-regression to thematic synthesis and meta-ethnography. The workshop will begin with an introduction to a range of approaches to systematic reviewing, explaining how choosing between them depends upon the motivation for reviewing (enhancing understanding or informing policy or practice), the conceptual clarity before reviewing begins, and the nature of the studies available. Each approach has implications for the methods employed to find, appraise and synthesize studies, and for how they contribute to evidence about the choice and design of complex interventions. Practical exercises will focus on choosing appropriate methods for systematic reviews, and choosing systematic reviews or combinations of systematic reviews to inform the design or implementation of complex interventions. The workshop will draw on examples of reviews suggested by the facilitators and participants.
Participants will gain: • a clearer understanding of the contribution of Cochrane reviews of effectiveness to the broader movement of synthesising knowledge; and • a rationale for choosing between different approaches to synthesis.
Description:
Synthesis methods range from statistical meta-analysis and meta-regression to thematic synthesis and meta-ethnography. The workshop will begin with an introduction to a range of approaches to systematic reviewing, explaining how choosing between them depends upon the motivation for reviewing (enhancing understanding or informing policy or practice), the conceptual clarity before reviewing begins, and the nature of the studies available. Each approach has implications for the methods employed to find, appraise and synthesize studies, and for how they contribute to evidence about the choice and design of complex interventions. Practical exercises will focus on choosing appropriate methods for systematic reviews, and choosing systematic reviews or combinations of systematic reviews to inform the design or implementation of complex interventions. The workshop will draw on examples of reviews suggested by the facilitators and participants.