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The Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group develops and supports methodological work on the inclusion in systematic reviews of findings from studies using qualitative methods and disseminates this work within and beyond the Collaboration's Review Groups. The Cochrane Qualitative Methods Group focuses on methodological matters arising from the inclusion of findings from qualitative studies into systematic reviews.

Activities

The Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group is currently attempting to fulfill its role by:

1. Identifying appropriate roles for qualitative research within the context of Cochrane Systematic Reviews;
2. Developing and disseminating appropriate methodological standards for:
• Searching for qualitative research relevant to Cochrane reviews;
• Critically appraising qualitative studies;
• Combining data from qualitative studies with other data within the context of a systematic review;
• Dissemination of these methodological standards through various routes including contributing to the guidance for reviewers in the Cochrane Reviewers Handbook.
3. Providing a forum for discussion and debate about the role of qualitative research within the systematic review process and the development of rigorous and systematic methods to promote this role to:
• Encourage transparency of, and learning about, method developments;
• Encourage and facilitate liaison and sharing with other methods groups.
• Providing links for Cochrane Review Groups to people with expertise and experience of qualitative research to:
• Provide advice and support for people aiming to incorporate qualitative research into a review;
• Provide a mechanism for evaluating and developing review protocols
4. Providing training for members of Cochrane Review Groups;
5. Maintaining a register/database of relevant methodological papers;
6. Maintaining a register/database of systematic review protocols that include qualitative synthesis or are solely focused on the systematic review of qualitative evidence;
7. Maintaining a register/database of completed systematic reviews that include qualitative synthesis; and of reviews that are solely focused on the systematic review of qualitative evidence; and
8. Surveying members on an annual basis to identify developing interests and ongoing contributions.

Members of the Group have contributed to the guidance on the commissioning and conduct of systematic reviews produced by the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York and have provided advice to the Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field.

Support for the Group

1. Co-ordination: The CQ Methods Group does not yet have core funding but the Joanna Briggs Institute funds the groups website and a secretariat that coordinates the administration of the group. The Co-Convenors of the group commit time to their specific areas of responsibility and to the overall co-ordination of the group.
2. Support within the Collaboration: Expressions of support for the work of the proposed group have been received from the following Review Groups and Fields:

   Paul Garner - Infectious Diseases Group
   Jeremy Grimshaw - EPOC
   Geraldine McDonald - Developmental, Psychosocial & Learning Problems Group
   Miranda Mugford - Health Economics Methods Group
   Sandy Oliver - Consumer Network
   Liz Waters - Health Promotion and Public Health Field
   Rachel Churchill - Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group.

3. Administrative and technical support: Administrative and technical support for the group funded by the Joanna Briggs Institute  includes:
   Four hours a week administrative support Four hours a week Technical support for the development and maintenance of the group's website.

To download an 'Adobe Acrobat' copy of the Proposal to Establish a Cochrane Qualitative Methods Group registered with the Cochrane Collaboration Steering Committee, click here