Session: Applying a complexity perspective to the assessment of evidence

Time: Thursday 5th July, 11:15 - 12:45

Convenor:

Professor Paul Montgomery (University of Birmingham)

Abstract Details

Synthesising evidence is a rapidly advancing field. Policymakers are demanding more sophisticated approaches and we will report on new work in the field in two presentations.

Firstly, the dominant imprint exerted by systematic reviews of effects makes it difficult to challenge their pervasive influence. In contrast, qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) should be sensitive to the epistemological assumptions that underpin primary qualitative research. The first presentation traces the contrasting contributions of these two influences throughout all stages of the systematic review process.

Secondly, researchers conducting systematic reviews on complex interventions report difficulties in using GRADE, the leading tool for assessing such a body of evidence. The second presentation will report outcomes from a large ESRC project- GRADE-CI with results and guidance - applying a ‘complexity perspective’ in order to help these assessments.

After, a discussion will consider the theoretical and practical issues with these new approaches since initiatives such as GRADE-CERQual and increasing interest in mixed-methods reviews suggest a potential rapprochement for the two paradigms.

The level of the session is: Accessible

Presentation details

Presentation 1

Start time: 15:45

Presentation title: Applying a complexity perspective to the assessment of evidence

Presenters:

Professor Paul Montgomery (University of Birmingham)
Dr Andrew Booth (University of Sheffield)