Introduction to Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Methods
This overview of qualitative evidence synthesis will provide an introduction to the key methods for searching for, appraising and synthesizing qualitative evidence. This course provides a quick introduction to core methods, with sign posting to key tools and literature.
| Dates | 27 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £250 |
| Format | Online |
| Audience | Open to all applicants (prerequisites apply) |
Course profile
This course aims to provide an overview of the key methods for qualitative evidence synthesis.
Please click on the sections below for more information.
This will be a one-day course 9am-5pm with live online sessions 9-3pm. There will be live interactive presentations followed by small group practical exercises, whole class discussion and a final live Q&A. There will be some pre-recorded worked examples to watch after the live session.
By the end of the course participants should be able to:
- understand the different approaches to systematic review and synthesis of qualitative evidence; and
- identify key tools, resources and literature to support the conduct of a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative evidence.
This course is aimed at those who have completed training in qualitative research methods and/or have experience of conducting qualitative research and are interested in the methods for systematic synthesis of qualitative evidence.
This course will cover:
1. Introduction to qualitative evidence synthesis
- Nature of qualitative evidence
- Types of qualitative syntheses
- Formulating a qualitative synthesis research question
2. Searching, Screening & Data Extraction for QES
- Tailoring a search for QES
- Screening issues in QES
- Data extraction issues in QES
3. Quality appraisal for QES
- Nature of qualitative evidence & implications for critical appraisal
- Available tools for appraisal of qualitative evidence
- Debate & evidence around critical appraisal in QES
4. Synthesis Methods for QES
- Different approaches to synthesis
- Nature of qualitative evidence & implications for synthesis
- Thematic synthesis (process, challenges, worked example)
Dr Christie Cabral is a member of the Bristol Evidence Synthesis Group and has published several qualitative evidence syntheses.
To make sure the course is suitable for you and you will benefit from attending, please ensure you meet the following prerequisites before booking:
| Knowledge |
Prior training in and/or experience of qualitative methods are not absolutely required, but will be an advantage. |
|---|---|
| Recommendation |
Two screens will be useful but not essential. |
Before booking this course, please make sure you read the information provided above about the target audience and prerequisites. It is important that you have access to the relevant IT resources needed for the course and meet the knowledge prerequisites to ensure you can get the most from the course.
Bookings are taken via our online booking system, for which you must register an account. To check if you are eligible for free or discounted courses please see our fees and voucher packs page. All bookings are subject to our terms & conditions, which can be read in full How to pay your short course fees..
For help and support with booking a course refer to our here, booking information page or feel free to FAQs directly. For available payment options please see: contact us
Participants are granted access to our virtual learning platform (Blackboard) 1 to 2 weeks in advance of the course. This allows time for any pre-course work to be completed and to familiarise with the platform.
To gain the most from the course, we recommend that you attend in full and participate in all interactive components. We endeavour to record all live lecture sessions and upload these to the online learning environment within 24 hours. This allows course participants to review these sessions at leisure and revisit them multiple times. Please note that we do not record breakout sessions.
All course participants retain access to the online learning materials and recordings for 3 months after the course.
University of Bristol staff and postgraduate students who do not wish to attend the full course may instead register for access to the 'Materials & Recordings' version of this course: Further information and bookings.