Metasynthesis of qualitative inquiry research studies in physiotherapy

The current emphasis on evidence based physiotherapy focuses on building knowledge through systematic review of quantitative inquiry studies. Knowledge that provides a framework for practice can help practitioners to decide when and how to use this evidence in their practice contexts.

This paper argues for increased attention to metasynthesis of qualitative inquiry research studies to help identify an underpinning professional knowledge base of physiotherapy that is relevant to day to day practice and education, and to emphasize an epistemological dimension of physiotherapy practice as a socially embedded professional activity.

An outline of knowledge development in physiotherapy is followed by an explanation and description of the process of metasynthesis and an evaluation of the value of metasynthesis to physiotherapy practice and education.

Integration of substantive knowledge from metasynthesis of individual qualitative inquiry studies, can generate middle range theory to give a degree of abstraction which can provoke broader questions and insights to re-conceptualize issues of practice.

The methodological approach of metasynthesis can lead to broader and deeper conceptualization of the quality of professional activities which are fundamental to integrating research evidence in successful physiotherapy service delivery.