Qualitative Research Synthesis: an Example from Practice

Qualitative research synthesis developed from a need to present multifaceted complexities of human nature in a way that is recognisable to the evidence-based community. In nursing, synthesis can lead to new conceptualisations... [ view full abstract ]

Qualitative research synthesis developed from a need to present multifaceted complexities of human nature in a way that is recognisable to the evidence-based community. In nursing, synthesis can lead to new conceptualisations about nursing care in specific care settings with specific patient populations. The aim of this presentation is to clarify some of the terms and processes used in qualitative synthesis with illustration from an ongoing example of metasynthesis. Firstly, an overview of metasynthesis will be provided outlining approaches used such as meta-ethnography, Critical Interpretive Synthesis (CIS), and framework synthesis.
The example provided aims to explore perceptions and experiences of acute care staff in caring for people with dementia. A person with dementia is more likely to be hospitalised because of their complex needs. However, the hospital experience can be extremely frightening and can exacerbate the effects of dementia. Nursing staff and other key health workers need to be skilled in recognising the symptoms of dementia and providing dementia-friendly care in hospital settings. The search strategy, screening and analysis were facilitated by the data management software, NVivo. Some of the benefits and challenges of this approach are outlined. This project is ongoing using framework synthesis. The framework was developed from the VIPS model described by Dawn Brooker. Strategies being used for critical appraisal and rigour are discussed. It is hoped that findings from this synthesis will inform future research aimed at developing interventions to improve the care of people with dementia in acute settings.