LLUH Center for Evidence Synthesis

Objectives for Module 3: Synthesizing Qualitative Evidence for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Syntheses

Prepares healthcare researchers, clinicians, academics, graduate students and policy makers to develop, conduct, and report systematic reviews/meta-syntheses from qualitative evidence. Reiterates the value qualitative systematic reviews provide healthcare practitioners when treating clients. Demonstrates critical appraisal techniques for qualitative research and employs different techniques for synthesizing qualitative research. Performs meta-aggregation or meta-synthesis on the evidence. Guidance provided while participants create protocols to conduct qualitative systematic reviews and/or meta-synthesis or meta-aggregation. Sixteen hours 

1. Differentiate types of qualitative methodologies that sit under the interpretive and critical research paradigms including phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory and action research.
2. Explain the importance of text and opinion as evidence for clinical decision-making.
3. Implement key principles involved in critical appraisal, data extraction and data synthesis of qualitative primary studies or text and opinion.
4. Demonstrate a solid understanding of appropriately using reviews of qualitative studies to address meaningfulness/experience, text and opinion, mixed methods, Umbrella and Scoping Reviews.
5. Formulate a working draft of the qualitative systematic review protocol based on your chosen type of clinical question.