Mixed Methods Evidence Synthesis Workshop(In-Person)

Methods for qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) are now well established and decision makers are able to access rigorous QES on issues such as patient experiences of health conditions and interventions, and contextual factors influencing intervention implementation. QES often generate theories and explanations about why and how interventions work or do not work as anticipated. By integrating these theories with evidence on intervention effects in a mixed methods syntheis, review teams can offer vital information to support implementation of review findings in practice. However, the diversity of approaches for integrating QES and effectiveness syntheses can make it challenging for reviewers to understand how best to integrate.

This two day interactive workshop delivered by co-convenors of the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group will introduce theory and practical examples of mixed methods synthesis. During group work participants will be encouraged to think reflectively on the strengths and limitations of diverse approaches. Each day will conclude with an open forum to reflect on the day’s activities and discuss issues relating to participants’ own review activity

By the end of this workshop participants will:

• understand why and when it is useful to do a mixed methods synthesis
• be able to recognise and appraise diverse approaches and tools for mixed methods synthesis
• describe challenges, and potential opportunities, for mixed methods synthesis
• have gained hands on experience of integrating different types of evidence
• apply lessons learnt to their own review activity

09.30 - 11:00

Welcome, introduction and overview

Lecture 1: A worked example of a mixed methods review

Activity 1: Thematic synthesis

11.15 -13:00

Lecture 2: Why do mixed methods evidence synthesis?

Activity 2: Developing a question for a mixed methods review

14:00 - 15.30

Lecture 3: A typology for mixed methods reviews

Activity 3: Recognising different types of mixed methods synthesis

16:00 - 17:00 – Open plenary

09.30 - 11:00

Lecture 4: Finding, describing and appraising studies for a mixed methods review

Activity 4: TBC

11.15 -13:00

Lecture 5: Approaches to comparing

Activity 5: Integrating using comparison approach

14:00 - 15.30

Lecture 6: Approaches to connection

Activity 6: Integrating using a connection approach

16:00 - 17:00 – Open plenary

Prof. Angela Harden, Professor of Health Sciences, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, Department of Health Services Research and Management, City University of London

Dr. Katy Sutcliffe, Associate Professor, Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordination Centre (EPPI Centre), University College London

Prof. James Thomas, Professor of Social Research & Policy, Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordination Centre (EPPI Centre), UCL Social Research Unit, University College London

Host or Publisher Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland