Rapid reviews methods series: guidance on rapid qualitative evidence synthesis.
Andrew Booth, Isolde Sommer, Jane Noyes, Catherine Houghton, Fiona Campbell, Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group and Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group (CQIMG)
Author Information
Andrew Booth: EnSyGN Sheffield Evidence Synthesis Group, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK a.booth@sheffield.ac.uk. ORCID
Isolde Sommer: Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, Austria.
Jane Noyes: Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group (CQIMG), London, UK. ORCID
Catherine Houghton: Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group (CQIMG), London, UK.
Fiona Campbell: EnSyGN Sheffield Evidence Synthesis Group, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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.
