Including qualitative research in systematic reviews: opportunities and problems

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Qualitative Methodology

Background:

• Qualitative research is increasingly valued in health care for its unique contributions.
• It serves multiple roles: standalone method, precursor to quantitative studies, trial explanation, and bridging evidence to practice.
• Despite its utility, qualitative research is seldom used as an evidence source for systematic reviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the formal synthesis of both qualitative and quantitative research.
• To identify and discuss challenges in conducting mixed-methods systematic reviews.
• To call for advancements in the science and methods for integrating qualitative research into the medical evidence base.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of challenges in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data.
• Exploration of issues including methodological prejudice, challenges in searching for qualitative evidence, and data synthesis problems.
• Argument for formal synthesis methodologies.

Main Results:

• Qualitative research is underrepresented in systematic reviews despite its value.
• Significant challenges exist in the formal synthesis of qualitative evidence.
• Methodological prejudice and practical search/synthesis issues hinder integration.

Conclusions:

• Formal synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research is essential for comprehensive health care evidence.
• Progress is needed in developing robust methods for including qualitative research in systematic reviews.
• Overcoming barriers is key to enhancing the evidence base of medicine with qualitative insights.