Sub Groups

  • Methodology Development/ Methodological Standards Sub-Group
  • Communication / Dissemination Sub-Group
  • Administrative Sub-Group
  • Training Sub Group
  • Databases Sub Group

Methodology Development/ Methodological Standards Sub-Group

This sub group is currently seeking to draft guidance on appropriate methodological standards for the appraisal, extraction and synthesis of qualitative findings in:

  • Cochrane Reviews of Effects; and
  • Reviews of solely qualitative evidence.

Current Sub Group Members are:

  • TBA (Co-Chair)
  • TBA (Co-Chair)
  • Professor Jane Noyes
  • Professor Alan Pearson
  • Allison Tong
  • Angela Harden
  • Beverly French
  • Deborah Corring
  • Professor Jennie Popay
  • Fiona Walter
  • Helen Bromley
  • Prof Garth Allen
  • Ron Chenail
  • Sakul Changmai
  • Kate Flemming
  • Katherine Boydell
  • Marian Katz

The Sub Group intends to produce and disseminate guidance on methodological standards to be followed by those wishing to include evidence from qualitative research and/or studies focusing on implementation into Cochrane Reviews. However, a great deal of methodological work is required before detailed standards can be developed. Members of the Sub Group are therefore involved in projects seeking to develop these methods including: search strategies, critical appraisal frameworks and methods for research synthesis. Protocols for some of these projects and contact details of the people involved are included on this site.

Communication / Dissemination Sub-Group

This sub group is currently seeking to establish a strategy for the effective dissemination of group outputs, issues of concern and draft guidance on qualitative reviews.

Current Sub Group Members are:

  • Professor Jane Noyes (Co-Chair)
  • TBA (Co-Chair)
  • Marian Katz
  • Ron Chenail
  • Mary Dixon-Woods

Administration Sub-Group

This sub group is currently seeking to establish and maintain effective administrative and operational processes for the group including coordination odf subgroup reporting, maintaining effective communication with group members and affiliates, maintaining the website and monitoring linkages between the group and other Cochrane entities.

Current Sub Groups Members are:

  • Professor Alan Pearson (Co-Chair)
  • Craig Lockwood (Co-Chair)
  • Vanessa Scott (Administrator)
  • Nathan Tan (WebMaster)

Training Sub Group

Training in qualitative reviews is currently conducted in Oxford (Janet Harris); in Australia, US, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa and Asia (Joanna Briggs Institute); and in Belgium (Karin Hannes). This sub group is currently seeking to collaboratively establish a "core" training program and to develop a strategy for training.

Current Groups Members are:

  • Dr Karin Hannes (Co-Chair)
  • Dr Janet Harris (Co-Chair)
  • Kate Flemming
  • Helen Bromley
  • Ron Chenail
  • Sakul Changmai

Databases Sub-Group

This sub group is currently seeking to establish searchable, on line data bases, to be uploaded to the CQMG web page, related to:

  • papers, reports and resources on qualitative review methodologies;
  • review of effects protocols that include qualitative research as "includable" study types;
  • review protocols that focus on qualitative evidence;
  • review of effects reports that include qualitative research as "includable" study types; and
  • review reports that focus on qualitative evidence.

Current Groups Members are:

  • Andrew Booth (Co-Chair)
  • Nathan Tan (Co-Chair)

Affiliates/ Associates:

  • Roisin Pill
  • Margarete Sandelowski
  • John Wells
  • Allison Tong
  • Sandra Micucci
  • Susana Der Parsehian
  • Marian Katz
  • Ron Chenail

Members of the Cochrane Qualitative Methods Group have already begun to establish a register of methodological texts relevant to the work of the group. This is available on the group's website. We are establishing a bibliographic database of references relevant to the interests of the CQMG. The database does not include standard QR methods textbooks. It is focused on papers that are exploring the role of QR in health care assessment and methodological aspects of critical appraisal and review. The Group welcomes suitable additions to this.

If you want to add to the list please complete the bibliographic database form and submit it to us.

The Group has established a database of Qualitative Systematic Review Protocols from reviewers in any organisation. Click here to go to database of qualitative systematic review protocols. NOTE THAT: this database does not include standard Cochrane or Campbell Protocols as processes and standards for conducting reviews of this type have not yet been approved by either organisation. If you want to enter a qualitative systematic review protocol to the database please complete the protocol database form and submit it to us.

The Group has established a database of Qualitative Systematic Review Abstracts from reviewers in any organisation. Click here to go to database of qualitative systematic review Abstracts. NOTE THAT: this database does not include standard Cochrane or Campbell Review Reports as processes and standards for conducting reviews of this type have not yet been approved by either organisation. If you want to enter a qualitative systematic review Abstract to the database please complete the systematic review abstracts database form and submit it to us.