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  • Angela Harden
    University of East London
  • James Thomas
    University College London
  • Margaret Cargo
    University of South Australia
  • Janet Harris
    University of Sheffield
  • Tomas Pantoja
    Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Kate Flemming
    University of York
  • Andrew Booth
    University of Sheffield
  • Ruth Garside
    University of Exeter Medical School
  • Karin Hannes
    Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
  • Jane Noyes

The Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group develops and publishes guidance on the synthesis of qualitative and mixed-method evidence from process evaluations. Despite a proliferation of methods for the synthesis of qualitative research, less attention has focused on how to integrate these syntheses within intervention effectiveness reviews. In this article, we report updated guidance from the group on approaches, methods, and tools, which can be used to integrate the findings from quantitative studies evaluating intervention effectiveness with those from qualitative studies and process evaluations. We draw on conceptual analyses of mixed methods systematic review designs and the range of methods and tools that have been used in published reviews that have successfully integrated different types of evidence. We outline five key methods and tools as devices for integration which vary in terms of the levels at which integration takes place; the specialist skills and expertise required within the review team; and their appropriateness in the context of limited evidence. In situations where the requirement is the integration of qualitative and process evidence within intervention effectiveness reviews, we recommend the use of a sequential approach. Here, evidence from each tradition is synthesized separately using methods consistent with each tradition before integration takes place using a common framework. Reviews which integrate qualitative and process evaluation evidence alongside quantitative evidence on intervention effectiveness in a systematic way are rare. This guidance aims to support review teams to achieve integration and we encourage further development through reflection and formal testing.

Keywords

  • Journal Article
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)70-78
JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology
Volume97
Issue numberMay
Early online date11 Dec 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2018

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