Conference report
An innovative and exciting conference took place recently at
Coventry University. The 1st Qualitative evidence-based Practice
conference bought together qualitative researchers and evidence-
based practitioners from throughout the UK and around the world.
The 3 day conference gave delegates the opportunity to explore the
spectrum of qualitative research and to discuss the role of
qualitative approaches to evidence-based practice. The conference
was both multi-disciplinary and multi-professional in nature, with
delegates from the fields of health and social care, health
education and health promotion, management, education and
business studies.
The conference commenced with a series of ‘hands on’ workshops,
where delegates had the opportunity to use computer packages for
analysing qualitative data, discuss the process of interpreting
qualitative data, and practice the skills of critically appraising
qualitative research papers. The conference was opined by Prof.
David Gillingham (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Coventry University).
Delegates heard keynote lectures from a number of eminent
speakers, including:
Prof.Mike Bury (University of London) talking about illness
narratives;
Prof.Gareth Williams (Cardiff University) discussing ways in
which qualitative research can influence policy;
Prof.David Field (Institute of Cancer Research) outlining an
approach to systematically reviewing qualitative research;
and
Dr Marie Donaghy (Queen Margaret University College)
presenting ways of integrating reflection and experiential
knowledge into evidence-based practice.
The main focus of the conference, however, was the paper
sessions and symposia, which gave delegates the opportunity to
explore a wide variety of issues pertinent to both qualitative
research and evidence-based practice. The topics discussed
included levels and a hierarchy of qualitative research, information
seeking and approaches to identifying qualitative evidence,
participatory action research in developing countries, and of-shore
risk management. Papers were grouped into 7 themes:
Qualitativeresearch in health care;
Qualitativeresearch in management;
Qualitativeresearch in education;
Qualitativeresearch in social care;
The spectrum of qualitative research;
The application of qualitative outcomes in practice;
and
Influencing policy and practice though qualitative research.
Further details of the conference plan, abstracts and the text of
selected papers can be found at the conference web site:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/qebp2K.htm
The networking, methodological discussions and social aspects of
the conference were ably facilitated by the Conference wine
reception and the Conference dinner.
The conference was diverse and wide-ranging and it provided
delegates with a unique opportunity to explore the complexities
and variety within qualitative approaches to evidence-based
practice, and to be involved in developing this new, and important,
dimension to evidence-based practice. It is hoped to publish a book
developing the themes of the conference and including selected
papers from the conference.
This highly successful conference is set to become an annual
event. The 2001 Qualitative Evidence-based Practice conference
will be held, in Coventry, on 14th to 16th May, 2001, the theme of the
conference is ‘qualitative evidence-based practice: taking a critical
stance’. Abstracts of up to 200 words should be submitted (in
either MS Word or text format) to the Organisers (Dr Maggi Savin-
Baden & Dr M Clare Taylor). Further information on the conference
is available from: [log in to unmask] (+44 [0] 24 7688
70450 or [log in to unmask]
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M. Clare Taylor
Principal Lecturer
Occupational Therapy Subject Group
School of Health & Social Sciences
Coventry University
Priory St.,
Coventry
CV1 5FB
+44 (0)24 76 887068
[log in to unmask]
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