Guidance on choosing qualitative evidence synthesis methods for use in health technology assessments of complex interventions

This guidance focuses on the main considerations to be taken into account when selecting an appropriate method of qualitative evidence synthesis. By focusing on the choice of methods and methodologies it does not seek to replicate the extensive guidance available on using qualitative synthesis in health technology assessments (HTAs) or systematic reviews nor the method-specific texts that explore each of the many synthesis methodologies in more detail. The guidance synthesises and interprets findings from those texts that offer an overview of methodological choices and the rationale underpinning them.

This guidance is aimed primarily at those conducting and those commissioning the qualitative systematic review component of an HTA, whether as a stand-alone product or, more typically, within an integrated approach to technology assessment. The guidance offers a framework for deciding on the most appropriate method for a specific purpose and, as such, may prove valuable to research teams and review commissioners in conducting negotiations. It may have wider applicability to researchers or research students when facing methodological choices in conducting systematic reviews or when seeking to offer an integrated approach to multiple associated review questions.