Evidence Synthesis of QUalItative Research in Europe (ESQUIRE13) Methods Workshop on Qualitative Evidence Synthesis 

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*  The fifth ESQUIRE Methods Workshop on Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (ESQUIRE13) was held at the Ridge, Sheffield from Monday 2 September 2013-Wednesday 4 September 2013 in Sheffield, UK. *

ESQUIRE14 is currently being planned for September 2014 

*                                                                                                                                                                *

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This is a site to support the Evidence Synthesis of QUalItative Research in Europe (ESQUIRE) Methods Workshops on Qualitative Evidence Synthesis [Co-ordinated by the Cochrane Qualitative & Implementation Research Methods Group]

Overview of the course:

This course is designed to provide participants with a state-of-the art perspective on the methodology of qualitative systematic reviews (qualitative evidence syntheses). It will focus on methods that feature in the forthcoming guidance of the Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group but will also incorporate a broader perspective on available methods of qualitative synthesis.

Suitable for:

• Qualitative Researchers who want to learn how to synthesise qualitative research
• Systematic Reviewers who want to learn how to translate synthesis methods to qualitative data
• PhD Students in topic areas that will require substantive review of qualitative research
• New researchers who want to develop evidence synthesis/systematic review
• Qualitative systematic reviewers who want to update and extend their skills and knowledge

Expected outcomes of this Programme:

By the end of this programme participants will be able to:

1. Describe the main methods of evidence synthesis in terms of their strengths and weaknesses
2. Rehearse the stages of the systematic review process, specifically in relation to the methodological challenges associated with synthesis of qualitative evidence
3. Distinguish between aggregative and interpretive approaches to qualitative evidence synthesis
4. Identify circumstances under which framework analysis or grounded theory-based approaches to synthesis are most appropriate
5. Describe the requirements for presenting data and disseminating the findings of qualitative evidence syntheses, both as standard-alone reviews and when integrating with the outputs of quantitative systematic reviews.

Overview of content:

The course will follow the main steps of the systematic review process as it applies, and is adapted to, qualitative evidence syntheses. The Programme Faculty will take participants through the stages of defining and exploring scope, conducting the literature searches, quality assessing studies for inclusion, synthesising data and writing up and presenting the product of the synthesis. The emphasis will be on those aspects of methods that either relate specifically to qualitative evidence synthesis or that need to be translated or adapted in order to meet new methodological challenges. Participants will be provided with an excellent overview of current methods of qualitative evidence synthesis together with practical experience of key stages in the review process.

Pre course requirements

No formal experience is required. A working knowledge of standard systematic review methods will be an advantage – alternatively participants would find it helpful to read Systematic Reviews: CRD’s guidance for undertaking reviews in healthcare (http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/systematic_reviews_book.htm) prior to the course. A background in qualitative research methodologies would be advantageous but is not essential .

Venue

The Ridge Conference Centre, Sheffield, S10 3ER

Overview of Course Structure:

Day One         2nd September 2013

13:00 p.m. – 17:00 p.m. - Introduction and Overview plus Focusing the Question and Searching

Day Two         3rd September 2013

09:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m - Data Extraction and Quality Assessment

13:30 p.m. – 17:00 p.m. – Analysis, Synthesis and Writing Up

Day Three      4th September 2013

10:00 a.m. – 15:30 p.m - Issues & Challenges for Qualitative Research in Evidence Synthesis (InCQuiRES)

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Programme

Day One – Monday 2^nd September 2013

Session 1 - Overview, Focusing the Question and Searching

Day Two –Tuesday 3rd September 2013

Session Two - Data Extraction & Quality Assessment,

Session Three – Analysis, Synthesis and Writing Up

Leeman J et al. Implementation of antiretroviral therapy adherence interventions: a realist
synthesis of evidence. J Adv Nurs. 2010 Sep;66(9):1915-30.

Merten S, Kenter E, McKenzie O, Musheke M, Ntalasha H, Martin-Hilber A.
Patient-reported barriers and drivers of adherence to antiretrovirals in
sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-ethnography. Trop Med Int Health. 2010 Jun;15 Suppl
1:16-33.

Mills EJ, Nachega JB, Bangsberg DR, Singh S, Rachlis B, Wu P, Wilson K, Buchan
I, Gill CJ, Cooper C. Adherence to HAART: a systematic review of developed and
developing nation patient-reported barriers and facilitators. PLoS Med. 2006
Nov;3(11):e438.

Day Three – Wednesday 4^th September 2013

Issues and Challenges for Qualitative Research in Evidence Synthesis (InCQuiRES)

Session Four – Methodological Challenges - Focusing, Study Identification and Assessment

Chair: Dr Andrew Booth

Session Five - Methodological Challenges - Synthesis and Integration

Chair: Dr Janet Harris

Select Bibliography

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Further Information

ASQUS Discussion List

Cochrane Handbook - Chapter 20: Qualitative research and Cochrane reviews. Noyes J, Popay J, Pearson A, Hannes K and Booth A on behalf of the Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration.

Cochrane Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Register
Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group 

Tools to Assist Qualitative Reviewers

• Cochrane Guidance

Chapter 1: Developing a protocol in REVMAN (in development)

Chapter 2: Question Formulation

Chapter 3: Searching

Chapter 4: Critical appraisal

Chapter 5: Data-extraction

Chapter 6: Synthesis

CRD Undertaking Systematic Reviews - Chapter 6 on Incorporating qualitative evidence in or alongside

effectiveness reviews

Exemplar: 'Medication career' or 'Moral career'? The two sides of managing antidepressants: A metaethnography of patients' experience of antidepressants

Email: Andrew Booth

An Archive of the materials from ESQUIRE2009; ESQUIRE2010; ESQUIRE2011; ESQUIRE2012 is also available.