Qualitative evidence

Abstract

This chapter provides authors (who already have experience of undertaking qualitative research and qualitative evidence synthesis) with additional guidance on undertaking a qualitative evidence synthesis that is subsequently integrated with an intervention review. There are two main designs for synthesizing qualitative evidence with evidence of the effects of interventions: sequential reviews; and convergent mixed-methods review. The Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group website provides links to practical guidance and key steps for authors who are considering a qualitative evidence synthesis. The RETREAT framework outlines seven key considerations that review authors should systematically work through when planning a review. The review question is critical to development of the qualitative evidence synthesis. Question development affords a key point for integration with the intervention review. Review authors can integrate a qualitative evidence synthesis with an existing intervention review published on a similar topic, or conduct a new intervention review and qualitative evidence syntheses in parallel before integration.