In this webinar organised by Cochrane Ireland, Catherine and Linda will 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 will be provided. In addition, the presenters will use a reflexive approach to talk about the importance of the team and the methodological decisions made during the process. They will explore some of the challenges in finding the balance between the need for speed while maintaining rigour and transparency in their work.
Presenter bios
Dr Catherine Houghton is a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, NUI 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.
