The interactive Summary of Qualitative Findings (iSoQ) tool assists review authors with applying the GRADE-CERQual approach in their qualitative evidence synthesis (QES).

In this Cochrane Learning Live webinar, the presenters demonstrated how review authors create a project, invite collaborators and add the data they need to make their GRADE-CERQual assessments. This included how to import references and create characteristics of studies and methodological limitations (critical appraisal) tables.

The presenters then went through the process of applying the GRADE-CERQual approach to assess confidence in one individual review finding. They showcased how iSoQ streamlines the process of creating an Evidence Profile table and a Summary of Qualitative Findings table – two key outputs of the GRADE-CERQual approach that package qualitative evidence in a user-friendly way for decision makers and other stakeholders.

There was an emphasis on how using iSoQ can help review authors avoid some of the common pitfalls in reporting of and fidelity to GRADE-CERQual. The session also gave a sneak peek into what’s ahead for iSoQ – in particular the integration of the new CAMELOT tool for assessing the methodological limitations of individual qualitative studies. 

The webinar was of particular interest to review authors, journal editors, trainers, lecturers, and decision makers with an interest in the use of qualitative evidence in decision making. It was delivered in September 2024 and below you will find the videos from the webinar, together with the accompanying slides to download [PDF].

Part 1: Introduction to iSoQ and GRADE-CERQual
Part 2: Walk-through the iSoQ tool
Part 3: What's coming: iSoQ-CAMELOT integration
Part 4: Questions and answers

Presenter Bios

Dr Megan Wainwright, iSoQ Development Team lead, GRADE-CERQual Coordinating Team member and co-author of the Cochrane Handbook chapter on GRADE-CERQual. Megan is a medical anthropologist and consultant in qualitative research working across implementation science, anthropology and evidence synthesis. She is an honorary fellow in the department of anthropology at Durham University.

Prof. Simon Lewin, iSoQ Development Team, GRADE-CERQual Coordinating Team member, co-author of the Cochrane Handbook chapter on GRADE-CERQual, co-coordinator of Cochrane People, Health Systems and Public Health, and Scandinavian GRADE Network coordinator. Simon is a health systems researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). His interests include ways of facilitating the wider use of qualitative evidence in decision making.

Prof. Claire Glenton, iSoQ Development Team, GRADE-CERQual Coordinating Team member, co-author of the Cochrane Handbook chapter on GRADE-CERQual, Cochrane Norway researcher and Scandinavian GRADE Network co-coordinator. Claire is a social scientist at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Her interests include methods for disseminating the results of systematic reviews and methods for synthesising and using qualitative research.

Camilo Vergara, iSoQ Development Team, Epistemonikos Foundation.