Mixed Methods Systematic Review and Searching the Evidence Online Courses

Course overview

Mixed methods systematic reviews combine qualitative and quantitative evidence to answer complex applied health and public health questions. These methods are becoming increasingly important as we seek to understand why interventions may have different results for different people in different situations. This course will explore the current thinking on approaches to mixed methods systematic reviews.

You can attend all eight sessions, or just the ‘Review’ course (five half-days) or the evidence search course (three sessions).

Conducting a Mixed Methods Systematic Review

Online course. Live sessions:

• 13.30 - 14.30 (GMT) 10^th March 2025 (optional introduction) 

• 13.30 - 16.00 (GMT) on 13^th, 18^th, 20^th & 24^th March 2025

Following this course (delivered in four half-day sessions) participants should have a strong understanding of:

• The purpose and value of mixed-methods systematic reviews

• A range of methods for integrating qualitative and quantative research

• 5 online sessions

Searching the Evidence Base Workshop

Online course. Live sessions: 

• 13.30 - 14.30 (GMT) 27^st March 2025 (optional introduction)

• 13.30 - 16.00 (GMT) on 31^st March & 3^rd April 2025 

This course, delivered over two half days, will develop:

• A strong understanding of best practice search methods for mixed-methods reviews

• Practical skills in standard and emerging search techniques e.g. structured searches, search filters, CLUSTER searching, grey literature and managing large sets of reference records. 

• 3 online sessions

Online course format

• Comprehensive course materials with 1 to 1.5 hours pre-recorded lectures to watch before each live session.  
• Highly interactive live sessions with group discussion, break-out room discussion, practical tasks and recording of sessions. 
• Brief introductory sessions allow participants and presenters to introduce themselves and the course. 
• Literature search and EndNote instructional workbooks to keep (searching course only). 

Who the course is for?

The ‘review’ course is for you if you are interested in understanding how mixed-method synthesis provides a deeper understanding of complex interventions and their implementation. It is suitable if you already have a good understanding of systematic review methods – i.e. you have had in-depth training and/or conducted a systematic review (quantitative or qualitative) before.  

The mixed methods course is not suitable if you are new to systematic reviews. It does not provide basic systematic review training (screening, data extraction, quality assessment) or meta-analysis.  The ‘review’ course focuses on advanced synthesis methods. 
 
The ‘searching’ course has basic and advanced elements, some sessions are split, allowing those with less experience to practice core skills while the more experienced try advanced and emerging methods. 

Presenters

Dr Katy Sutcliffe is the Deputy Director of the Department of Health Reviews Facility at the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordination Centre (EPPI-Centre), Institute of Education, University College London. Katy specialises in developing methods for research synthesis, in particular for qualitative and mixed methods reviews.

Dr Meena Khatwa, Dr Gillian Stokes, Dr Preethy D'Souza and Dr Michelle Richardson from from UCL will facilitate group work with Katy. 

Judy Wright (University of Leeds) is a senior information specialist with expertise in finding evidence for mixed methods reviews. Judy leads the AUHE Evidence Synthesis team, supporting systematic reviews, economic models and realist syntheses.

Natalie King (University of Leeds) is an information specialist with expertise in finding evidence for systematic reviews, economic models and mixed methods reviews including realist syntheses.

Guest Speakers

Professor Joanne Greenhalgh (University of Leeds) is a social research methodologist applying realist methods to healthcare evaluation. Joanne has expertise in realist syntheses.

Professor Helen Elsey (University of York) is a professor in global public health. Helen and colleagues have recently completed a NIHR-PHR funded mixed methods review with the Campbell Collaboration

Fees

You can attend all eight sessions, or the five ‘review’ course or the three ‘searching’ sessions.

8 sessions £700 full price, £500 for staff or students based at the University of Leeds. 

5 sessions £520 full price, £350 for staff or students based at the University of Leeds.

3 sessions £180 full price, £150 for staff or students based at the University of Leeds.

Further information 

BOOKINGS ARE NOW CLOSED. To reserve a place on the next course please contact: Denise Womersley, d.l.womersley@leeds.ac.uk

Online course testimonials

“Very good, very in-depth information outside of the live sessions and all of high quality.”

“The course exceeded my expectations. I found it more engaging than I expected. I think the fact that my group for activities all had a similar level of experience helped us to learn together”

“The activities were all very engaging and helped to reinforce the knowledge gained from the recorded lectures.” 

[Q and A sessions] “Interesting AND useful. The course presenters were so knowledgeable.”

“The presenters were very helpful and informative.”