Webinar: Rapid Qualitative Evidence Synthesis: Balancing rigour with speed

Since late 2019, the research community has responded with speed in an effort to contribute to the
evidence base for health care and policy decisions relating to COVID-19. This sense of urgency and the
need for immediate evidence brings methodological challenges to all research endeavors.

In this webinar Dr. Catherine Houghton and Dr. Linda Biesty describe their very recent experience of undertaking a Rapid Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) during, and in response to, the COVID-19 pandemic. The review featured among the initial suite of Cochrane COVID rapid reviews as Cochrane’s first rapid QES. A
summary of the review process, its key findings, and dissemination is provided. In addition, the
presenters use a reflexive approach to talk about the importance of the team and the methodological
decisions made during the process. They explore some of the challenges in finding the balance
between the need for speed while maintaining rigour and transparency in their work.

Catherine is a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland
Galway. Catherine’s research interests are primarily around qualitative research methodologies,
qualitative evidence synthesis and the integration of qualitative research in trials. Catherine is co-chair of
QUESTS, qualitative research in trials centre and a qualitative evidence synthesis trainer for Evidence
Synthesis Ireland. She has led and co-authored a number of qualitative syntheses including the recently
published Cochrane rapid review in response to COVID-19.

Linda is a lecturer at NUI Galway. A midwife and qualitative researcher by training, Linda’s research
focus largely in the fields of maternity care and knowledge translation. Her methodological areas of
expertise are in evidence synthesis (qualitative and quantitative), qualitative research in trial
methodology and in core outcome set development. She is the co-lead of the Qualitative Synthesis stream
within ESI and as a Faculty Member of ESI provides training for QES and Cochrane systematic reviews.