Metasynthesis: the state of the art--so far.

To make qualitative results more accessible to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers, individuals are urged to synthesize findings from related studies. Since 1994, several types of metasynthesis have been conducted, resulting in theory building, theory explication, and substantive descriptions of phenomena. A variety of methodologies have been used to complete these projects, as no firm metasynthesis guidelines exist. As such, the purpose of this article is to discuss recently completed works and draw inferences regarding key methodological elements and research study integrity. The author also offers suggestions for future investigations.