Application of systematic review methods to qualitative research: practical issues

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Qualitative Research Methodology
• Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

Background:

• Increasing volume of qualitative research necessitates methods for integration.
• Limited established methodologies for systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.
• Practical challenges in applying systematic review techniques to qualitative data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore practical methodological issues in applying systematic review and meta-synthesis to qualitative health services research.
• To address the pragmatic research question on factors influencing advanced nursing roles in acute care settings.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.
• Focused on studies relevant to role development and practice of advanced nurses in acute hospitals.
• Investigated factors facilitating or impeding advanced nursing roles.

Main Results:

• Study identification and retrieval are more time-consuming than for quantitative reviews.
• Appraisal and data analysis are iterative and demand more time.
• Utilizing full project reports may mitigate reviewer-participant distance issues.

Conclusions:

• Systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research is feasible but resource-intensive.
• Adequate time and resources are crucial for successful execution.
• Recommendations are provided to facilitate these complex processes.