Systematic reviews of qualitative studies (qualitative evidence syntheses) are increasingly used to bring together findings from qualitative studies. A number of qualitative evidence syntheses are now published or underway in the Cochrane Library. In order to use synthesised findings to inform decisions we need methods to assess how much confidence to place in these findings.

1. Presentation:

• The GRADE-CERQual approach
• Making an overall assessment of confidence
• Introduction to Summary of Qualitative Findings table

2. Group discussion and/or practical exercises for each of CERQual components:

• Assessing the methodological limitations of the individual studies contributing to a review finding
• Assessing the coherence of each review finding
• Assessing the relevance of studies contributing to a review finding
• Assessing the adequacy of data supporting each review finding

3. Feedback

Facilitators: the GRADE-CERQual coordinating team.

Target audience:  People working on qualitative evidence syntheses.  The workshop is intended for review authors who are using/planning to use GRADE-CERQual. Attendees should have some familiarity with qualitative research and evidence synthesis methods. This is an intermediate level workshop.  It is not intended to be a basic training session.

Number of participants: 10-40

Type of session:  Training workshop involving interactive presentations, discussions and small group exercises.  This is an intermediate level workshop.

Objectives:  to introduce the GRADE-CERQual approach to assess Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research. 

Please note, the charge for this workshop will be £48 (inc. VAT)