Webinars
In collaboration with Cochrane Training, we have two webinars:
In this webinar, we provide an overview of current use of, and reasons for using, narrative approaches to synthesis. We describe use of the term “narrative synthesis”, and common issues in narrative synthesis, this includes transparency in reporting, and ambiguity about narrative synthesis as a method. An overview of how transparency can be improved is provided, and we finish by introducing the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline, which is the focus of the second webinar.
This is the second of two related webinars. This webinar introduces the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline accompanied by illustrative examples. The webinar aims to promote implementation of best practice in synthesis without meta-analysis. The work presented is from the ICONS-Quant (Improving the Conduct and reporting of Narrative Synthesis of Quantitative data) project which was funded by the Cochrane Strategic Methods Fund (May 2017-May 2019).
A Cochrane account is required to access the webinars. Registering for a Cochrane account is free. To register, please visit the Cochrane website.
Training module
In collaboration with Cochrane Training, we have developed an online learning module for the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline. The module provides training on the nine SWiM reporting items. The module includes examples and activities to accompany each of the nine SWiM reporting items, and provides ways to check your knowledge. A Cochrane account is required to access the module. Registering for a Cochrane account is free. To register, please visit the Cochrane website.
Resources
The SWiM guideline aligns with Chapter 12 of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The chapter outlines alternative synthesis methods when meta-analysis is not possible.
The chapter can be accessed online. To access a PDF of the chapter, a Cochrane account is required. Registering for a Cochrane account is free. To register, use the following link.
Publications:
Campbell M, McKenzie JE, Sowden A, Katikireddi SV, Brennan SE, Ellis S, Hartmann-Boyce J, Ryan R, Shepperd S, Thomas J, Welch V, Thomson H. Synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) in systematic reviews: reporting guideline BMJ 2020;368:l6890
Campbell M, Katikireddi SV, Sowden A, Thomson H (2019) Lack of transparency in reporting narrative synthesis of quantitative data: a methodological assessment of systematic reviews. J Clin Epidemiol 105: 1-9.
Campbell M, Katikireddi SV, Sowden A, McKenzie JE, Thomson H (2018) Improving Conduct and Reporting of Narrative Synthesis of Quantitative Data (ICONS-Quant): protocol for a mixed methods study to develop a reporting guideline. BMJ Open 8.