SMART QES: Streamlined Methods for Accelerated Rapid Techniques for Qualiative Evidence Synthesis

This project aims to evaluate whether methodological shortcuts in the rapid qualitative evidence synthesis (rQES) process, per the guidance of Booth et al. (2024), can increase efficiency and reduce resource demands without compromising the findings. This objective will be addressed through three work packages (WPs). WP1 will comprise a case series and scoping review to explore the role and reliability of artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential methodological abbreviation within a QES. WP2 will be a comparative study conducted by simultaneously performing a full QES and an rQES on the same topic, to assess the direct impact of methodological shortcuts on the findings. WP3 will conduct semi-structured interviews to investigate barriers and facilitators surrounding the adoption of methodological shortcuts from the perspectives of QES, rQES, and health technology assessment (HTA) authors. The overall findings aim to contribute to the evidence base for developing future rQES guidance and support the broader integration of qualitative evidence in evidence-based practice.