Denis Walsh1, Soo Downe. 1. Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK. denis.walsh@ntlworld.com
Abstract
AIM: This paper discusses the purpose and stages of meta-synthesis and the epistemological status of knowledge generated from the technique. Particular attention is paid to exploring the contested areas of the method that remain. BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in meta-synthesis as a technique for generating new insights and understanding from qualitative health care research. An increasing number of meta-synthesis papers are appearing in the nursing and midwifery literature. METHODS: Literature on the technique of meta-synthesis and examples of meta-synthesis papers were searched and reviewed. A meta-synthesis exercise was undertaken, and this informed reflection and critique of the method. FINDINGS: Meta-synthesis attempts to integrate results from a number of different but inter-related qualitative studies. The technique has an interpretive, rather than aggregating, intent, in contrast to meta-analysis of quantitative studies. Examples from the literature indicate that some aspects of the technique are not yet fully established. CONCLUSION: Despite the contingent nature of evidence gleaned from meta-synthesis and current lack of consensus about some of its aspects, meta-synthesis is an important technique for qualitative researchers and can deepen understanding of the contextual dimensions of health care.
AIM: This paper discusses the purpose and stages of meta-synthesis and the epistemological status of knowledge generated from the technique. Particular attention is paid to exploring the contested areas of the method that remain. BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in meta-synthesis as a technique for generating new insights and understanding from qualitative health care research. An increasing number of meta-synthesis papers are appearing in the nursing and midwifery literature. METHODS: Literature on the technique of meta-synthesis and examples of meta-synthesis papers were searched and reviewed. A meta-synthesis exercise was undertaken, and this informed reflection and critique of the method. FINDINGS: Meta-synthesis attempts to integrate results from a number of different but inter-related qualitative studies. The technique has an interpretive, rather than aggregating, intent, in contrast to meta-analysis of quantitative studies. Examples from the literature indicate that some aspects of the technique are not yet fully established. CONCLUSION: Despite the contingent nature of evidence gleaned from meta-synthesis and current lack of consensus about some of its aspects, meta-synthesis is an important technique for qualitative researchers and can deepen understanding of the contextual dimensions of health care.
Authors: Karl E Minges; Neville Owen; Jo Salmon; Ariana Chao; David W Dunstan; Robin Whittemore Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2015-04 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: Alison L Antes; Heidi A Walsh; Michelle Strait; Cynthia R Hudson-Vitale; James M DuBois Journal: J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics Date: 2017-12-10 Impact factor: 1.742
Authors: Khadijah Breathett; Jacqueline Jones; Hillary D Lum; Dawn Koonkongsatian; Christine D Jones; Urvi Sanghvi; Lilian Hoffecker; Marylyn McEwen; Stacie L Daugherty; Irene V Blair; Elizabeth Calhoun; Esther de Groot; Nancy K Sweitzer; Pamela N Peterson Journal: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities Date: 2018-03-05
Authors: Lana Sue I Ka'opua; Kevin Cassel; Bruce Shiramizu; Rebecca L Stotzer; Andrew Robles; Cathy Kapua; Malulani Orton; Cris Milne; Maddalynn Sesepasara Journal: Health Promot Pract Date: 2015-12-02