The prospect of incorporating evidence from qualitative research in a Cochrane review inevitably has many consequences for authors and Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs). Resource limitations may dictate the extent to which supplementary qualitative syntheses can be undertaken to accompany reviews. Authors will need to consider the following when contemplating the incorporation of evidence from qualitative research into a Cochrane review:
Does the team have the appropriate expertise or access to advice from experienced qualitative syntheses researchers?
Will additional training be required?
Will the budget cover the additional time and resources needed?
Does the team have access to appropriate databases and journals?
Does the team have access to an information specialist who is familiar with the particular challenges of retrieving qualitative research?
Does the CRG responsible for the review support the incorporation of qualitative evidence and have the resources to support the review through the editorial process?