How to integrate patient/consumer perspectives from qualitative synthesis within your Cochrane Review

Article type
Authors
Booth A1, Noyes J1, Harden A2, Thomas J3, Cargo M4, Harris J5, Pantoja T6, Flemming K7, Garside R8, Hannes K
1Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group
2Institute of Education UCL
3University of South Australia
4University of Sheffield
5Pontificia Universidad CatĂłlica de Chile
6University of York
7University of Exeter
8KU Leuven
Abstract
Background:
Recent papers, in the BMJ and the WHO Bulletin, attest to increased recognition of the role of qualitative evidence within health care decision-making. Inclusion of qualitative evidence from patients, consumers, carers and their respective advocate groups, and other key stakeholders involved in commissioning and implementation within/alongside a systematic review of effects offers valuable perspectives to inform appropriate health decisions. Synthesis of qualitative research, from books, journals, theses, dissertations or grey literature, offers a vehicle for integrating patient/consumer experiences within a systematic review of effects.
For the first time at a Colloquium, published guidance from the Cochrane Qualitative & Implementation Methods Group (December 2017) exists to navigate the challenge of integrating findings from quantitative and qualitative studies. This workshop will be delivered by authors of this guidance experienced in integrating quantitative and qualitative data within systematic reviews and will outline such approaches as juxtaposing findings in a matrix, using logic models/conceptual frameworks, analyzing program theory, testing hypotheses with subgroup analysis and qualitative comparative analysis as featured in the recent guidance.
Objectives:
By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:
- recognise options for integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence within/alongside a systematic review of effects;
- identify points in the review process at which integration is feasible and appropriate;
- describe major challenges, and potential responses, when integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence;
- apply lessons learnt to their own review activity.
Description:
This interactive workshop is based on actual Cochrane Reviews (no specialist knowledge required) and presents options for integrating quantitative and qualitative data (10 minutes). Group exercises, supported by experienced facilitators, illustrate different methods of integration (50 minutes).
Groups are encouraged to think reflectively (10 minutes) on strengths and limitations of diverse approaches as featured in the recent guidance. The session concludes with an open forum to address specific issues relating to participants’ review activity (10 minutes). Timings allow 10 minutes for flexibility.