Rapid reviews methods series: guidance on rapid qualitative evidence synthesis.
BMJ Evid Based Med
; 29(3): 194-200, 2024 May 22.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38355285
ABSTRACT
This paper forms part of a series of methodological guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group and addresses rapid qualitative evidence syntheses (QESs), which use modified systematic, transparent and reproducible methodsu to accelerate the synthesis of qualitative evidence when faced with resource constraints. This guidance covers the review process as it relates to synthesis of qualitative research. 'Rapid' or 'resource-constrained' QES require use of templates and targeted knowledge user involvement. Clear definition of perspectives and decisions on indirect evidence, sampling and use of existing QES help in targeting eligibility criteria. Involvement of an information specialist, especially in prioritising databases, targeting grey literature and planning supplemental searches, can prove invaluable. Use of templates and frameworks in study selection and data extraction can be accompanied by quality assurance procedures targeting areas of likely weakness. Current Cochrane guidance informs selection of tools for quality assessment and of synthesis method. Thematic and framework synthesis facilitate efficient synthesis of large numbers of studies or plentiful data. Finally, judicious use of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for assessing the Confidence of Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research assessments and of software as appropriate help to achieve a timely and useful review product.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Qualitative Research
Type of study:
Guideline
/
Policy_brief
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
BMJ Evid Based Med
/
BMJ Evid. Based. Med
/
BMJ evidence-based medicine (Online)
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Country of publication:
Reino Unido