The qual-CAT: applying a rapid review approach to qualitative research to support clinical decision-making in speech-language pathology practice

Abstract

Systematic reviews and meta-syntheses of qualitative research produce ‘a sum greater than its parts’. Qualitative findings are examined alongside one another, and new insights are discovered about the topic under consideration. However, a barrier to clinicians undertaking these reviews is the time and knowledge required. Rapid review approaches, such as the Critically Appraised Topic (CAT), have recently been promoted in speech-language pathology, encouraging strategic, clinically driven examination of key research in focused topic areas, with the aim of supporting clinical decision-making. A strength of the CAT approach is that it supports interpretation and use of evidence by people who are not experts in the methodologies used. Additionally, CATs reduce the time input required by focusing on the best evidence available, and take a pragmatic approach to analysis across studies. While CAT methodologies have been detailed in relation to quantitative research, qualitative CAT methodologies have not specifically been discussed. Searching, ranking of research strength, appraisal and analysis methods are all likely to vary for qualitative CATs. This paper proposes and details a methodology for a “qual-CAT” approach, providing examples and steps that support the use of this methodology in practice.