This paper is one of a series exploring the implications
of complexity for systematic reviews and guideline
development, commissioned by the WHO. The paper
specifically explores the role of qualitative evidence
synthesis. Qualitative evidence synthesis is the broad term
for the group of methods used to undertake systematic
reviews ...
This paper is one of a series exploring the implications
of complexity for systematic reviews and guideline
development, commissioned by the WHO. The paper
specifically explores the role of qualitative evidence
synthesis. Qualitative evidence synthesis is the broad term
for the group of methods used to undertake systematic
reviews of qualitative research evidence. As an approach,
qualitative evidence synthesis is increasingly recognised
as having a key role to play in addressing questions
relating to intervention or system complexity, and guideline
development processes. This is due to the unique role
qualitative research can play in establishing the relative
importance of outcomes, the acceptability, fidelity
and reach of interventions, their feasibility in different
settings and potential consequences on equity across
populations. This paper outlines the purpose of qualitative
evidence synthesis, provides detail of how qualitative
evidence syntheses can help establish understanding and
explanation of the complexity that can occur in relation
to both interventions and systems, and how qualitative
evidence syntheses can contribute to evidence to decision
frameworks. It provides guidance for the choice of
qualitative evidence synthesis methods in the context of
guideline development for complex interventions, giving
‘real life’ examples of where this has occurred. Information
to support decision-making around choice qualitative
evidence synthesis methods in the context of guideline
development is provided. Approaches for reporting
qualitative evidence syntheses are discussed alongside
mechanisms for assessing confidence in the findings of a
review.