Objectives:
To explore the advantages and challenges of applying GRADE-CERQual;
To present experiences of applying GRADE-CERQual in guidelines;
To explore what further guidance is needed;
To collect feedback from users of GRADE-CERQual.

Description: To be presented by developers of the GRADE-CERQual approach and current users of GRADE-CERQual, including NICE and WHO and will be particularly relevant to guideline developers with some familiarity with qualitative evidence synthesis. A companion session at the Summit offers a fuller introduction to GRADE-CERQual.

Large group presentation: Description of experiences from NICE and WHO, including perceptions of review authors and guideline committees. Discussions will address advantages of applying GRADE-CERQual, acceptability, practicalities, obstacles and challenges, strategies for overcoming these - what have we learnt that might help other users and what we might do differently in future?

Small group discussions: Reflection on what issues might arise in participants’ settings – attendees may bring their own examples of guidelines. For example, do they have people who are skilled in qualitative research/qualitative evidence syntheses? How familiar are their committees with different types of research and with GRADE? Are chairs trained in application of GRADE-CERQual?

Feedback and closing remarks: Discussion of future plans for developing and using GRADE-CERQual and how feedback from this workshop will be used.