Skip to main content
Top
Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

A methodological systematic review of meta-ethnography conduct to articulate the complex analytical phases

Authors: Emma F. France, Isabelle Uny, Nicola Ring, Ruth L. Turley, Margaret Maxwell, Edward A. S. Duncan, Ruth G. Jepson, Rachel J. Roberts, Jane Noyes

Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology | Issue 1/2019

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Decision making in health and social care requires robust syntheses of both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Meta-ethnography is a seven-phase methodology for synthesising qualitative studies. Developed in 1988 by sociologists in education Noblit and Hare, meta-ethnography has evolved since its inception; it is now widely used in healthcare research and is gaining popularity in education research. The aim of this article is to provide up-to-date, in-depth guidance on conducting the complex analytic synthesis phases 4 to 6 of meta-ethnography through analysis of the latest methodological evidence.

Methods

We report findings from a methodological systematic review conducted from 2015 to 2016. Fourteen databases and five other online resources were searched. Expansive searches were also conducted resulting in inclusion of 57 publications on meta-ethnography conduct and reporting from a range of academic disciplines published from 1988 to 2016.

Results

Current guidance on applying meta-ethnography originates from a small group of researchers using the methodology in a health context. We identified that researchers have operationalised the analysis and synthesis methods of meta-ethnography – determining how studies are related (phase 4), translating studies into one another (phase 5), synthesising translations (phase 6) and line of argument synthesis - to suit their own syntheses resulting in variation in methods and their application. Empirical research is required to compare the impact of different methods of translation and synthesis. Some methods are potentially better at preserving links with the context and meaning of primary studies, a key principle of meta-ethnography. A meta-ethnography can and should include reciprocal and refutational translation and line of argument synthesis, rather than only one of these, to maximise the impact of its outputs.

Conclusion

The current work is the first to articulate and differentiate the methodological variations and their application for different purposes and represents a significant advance in the understanding of the methodological application of meta-ethnography.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Campbell R, Pound P, Morgan M, Daker-White G, Britten N, Pill R, Yardley L, Pope C, Donovan J. Evaluating meta-ethnography: systematic analysis and synthesis of qualitative research. Health Technol Assess. 2011;15(43):1–164.PubMedCrossRef Campbell R, Pound P, Morgan M, Daker-White G, Britten N, Pill R, Yardley L, Pope C, Donovan J. Evaluating meta-ethnography: systematic analysis and synthesis of qualitative research. Health Technol Assess. 2011;15(43):1–164.PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Dalton J, Booth A, Noyes J, Sowden AJ. Potential value of systematic reviews of qualitative evidence in informing user-centred health and social care: findings from a descriptive overview. J Clin Epidemiol. 2017;88:37–46.PubMedCrossRef Dalton J, Booth A, Noyes J, Sowden AJ. Potential value of systematic reviews of qualitative evidence in informing user-centred health and social care: findings from a descriptive overview. J Clin Epidemiol. 2017;88:37–46.PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Lewin S, Booth A, Glenton C, Munthe-Kaas H, Rashidian A, Wainwright M, Bohren MA, Tunçalp Ö, Colvin CJ, Garside R. Applying GRADE-CERQual to qualitative evidence synthesis findings: introduction to the series. Implement Sci. 2018;13(Suppl 1):2.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Lewin S, Booth A, Glenton C, Munthe-Kaas H, Rashidian A, Wainwright M, Bohren MA, Tunçalp Ö, Colvin CJ, Garside R. Applying GRADE-CERQual to qualitative evidence synthesis findings: introduction to the series. Implement Sci. 2018;13(Suppl 1):2.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Nunes V, Neilson J, O’Flynn N, Calvert N, Kuntze S, Smithson H, Benson J, Blair J, Bowser A, Clyne W, et al. Clinical guidelines and evidence review for medicines adherence: involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence, vol. CG76. London: National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care and Royal College of General Practitioners; 2009. Nunes V, Neilson J, O’Flynn N, Calvert N, Kuntze S, Smithson H, Benson J, Blair J, Bowser A, Clyne W, et al. Clinical guidelines and evidence review for medicines adherence: involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence, vol. CG76. London: National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care and Royal College of General Practitioners; 2009.
5.
go back to reference Pound P, Britten N, Morgan M, Yardley L, Pope C, Daker-White G, Campbell R. Resisting medicines: a synthesis of qualitative studies of medicine taking. Soc Sci Med. 2005;61(1):133–55.PubMedCrossRef Pound P, Britten N, Morgan M, Yardley L, Pope C, Daker-White G, Campbell R. Resisting medicines: a synthesis of qualitative studies of medicine taking. Soc Sci Med. 2005;61(1):133–55.PubMedCrossRef
6.
7.
go back to reference Cohen EE, LaMonte SJ, Erb NL, Beckman KL, Sadeghi N, Hutcheson KA, Stubblefield MD, Abbott DM, Fisher PS, Stein KD. American Cancer Society head and neck cancer survivorship care guideline. CA Cancer J Clin. 2016;66(3):203–39.PubMedCrossRef Cohen EE, LaMonte SJ, Erb NL, Beckman KL, Sadeghi N, Hutcheson KA, Stubblefield MD, Abbott DM, Fisher PS, Stein KD. American Cancer Society head and neck cancer survivorship care guideline. CA Cancer J Clin. 2016;66(3):203–39.PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Lang H, France E, Williams B, Humphris G, Wells M. The psychological experience of living with head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(12):2648–63.PubMedCrossRef Lang H, France E, Williams B, Humphris G, Wells M. The psychological experience of living with head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(12):2648–63.PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Noblit GW, Hare RD. Meta-ethnography: synthesizing qualitative studies, vol. 11. California: Sage Publications; 1988.CrossRef Noblit GW, Hare RD. Meta-ethnography: synthesizing qualitative studies, vol. 11. California: Sage Publications; 1988.CrossRef
10.
go back to reference France EF, Ring N, Thomas R, Noyes J, Maxwell M, Jepson R. A methodological systematic review of what's wrong with meta-ethnography reporting. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2014;14:119.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef France EF, Ring N, Thomas R, Noyes J, Maxwell M, Jepson R. A methodological systematic review of what's wrong with meta-ethnography reporting. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2014;14:119.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Dixon-Woods M, Booth A, Sutton AJ. Synthesizing qualitative research: a review of published reports. Qual Res. 2007;7(3):375–422.CrossRef Dixon-Woods M, Booth A, Sutton AJ. Synthesizing qualitative research: a review of published reports. Qual Res. 2007;7(3):375–422.CrossRef
12.
go back to reference Hannes K, Macaitis K. A move to more systematic and transparent approaches in qualitative evidence synthesis: update on a review of published papers. Qual Res. 2012;12(4):402–42.CrossRef Hannes K, Macaitis K. A move to more systematic and transparent approaches in qualitative evidence synthesis: update on a review of published papers. Qual Res. 2012;12(4):402–42.CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Uny I, France EF, Noblit GW. Steady and delayed: explaining the different development of meta-ethnography in health care and education. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):243–57.CrossRef Uny I, France EF, Noblit GW. Steady and delayed: explaining the different development of meta-ethnography in health care and education. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):243–57.CrossRef
14.
go back to reference Geertz C. The interpretation of cultures. New York: Basic books; 1973. Geertz C. The interpretation of cultures. New York: Basic books; 1973.
15.
go back to reference Turner SP: Sociological Explanation As Translation; 1980. Turner SP: Sociological Explanation As Translation; 1980.
16.
go back to reference Noyes J, Booth A, Cargo M, Flemming K, Garside R, Hannes K, Harden A, Harris J, Lewin S, Pantoja T. Cochrane qualitative and implementation methods group guidance series—paper 1: introduction. J Clin Epidemiol. 2018;97:35–8.PubMedCrossRef Noyes J, Booth A, Cargo M, Flemming K, Garside R, Hannes K, Harden A, Harris J, Lewin S, Pantoja T. Cochrane qualitative and implementation methods group guidance series—paper 1: introduction. J Clin Epidemiol. 2018;97:35–8.PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference SIGN, British Thoracic Society: SIGN 153 - British guideline on the management of asthma. A national clinical guideline. . In.; 2016. SIGN, British Thoracic Society: SIGN 153 - British guideline on the management of asthma. A national clinical guideline. . In.; 2016.
18.
go back to reference Ring NJ, R.;Hoskins, G.;Wilson, C.;Pinnock, H.;Sheikh, A.;Wyke, S.: Understanding what helps or hinders asthma action plan use: a systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature. Patient Educ Couns 2011, 85(2):e131–e143. Ring NJ, R.;Hoskins, G.;Wilson, C.;Pinnock, H.;Sheikh, A.;Wyke, S.: Understanding what helps or hinders asthma action plan use: a systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature. Patient Educ Couns 2011, 85(2):e131–e143.
19.
go back to reference Toye F, Seers K, Allcock N, Briggs M, Carr E, Barker K. Meta-ethnography 25 years on: challenges and insights for synthesising a large number of qualitative studies. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2014;14:80.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Toye F, Seers K, Allcock N, Briggs M, Carr E, Barker K. Meta-ethnography 25 years on: challenges and insights for synthesising a large number of qualitative studies. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2014;14:80.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Thorne S, Jensen L, Kearney MH, Noblit G, Sandelowski M. Qualitative metasynthesis: reflections on methodological orientation and ideological agenda. Qual Health Res. 2004;14(10):1342–65.PubMedCrossRef Thorne S, Jensen L, Kearney MH, Noblit G, Sandelowski M. Qualitative metasynthesis: reflections on methodological orientation and ideological agenda. Qual Health Res. 2004;14(10):1342–65.PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Atkins S, Lewin S, Smith H, Engel M, Fretheim A, Volmink J. Conducting a meta-ethnography of qualitative literature: lessons learnt. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2008;8:21.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Atkins S, Lewin S, Smith H, Engel M, Fretheim A, Volmink J. Conducting a meta-ethnography of qualitative literature: lessons learnt. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2008;8:21.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
22.
go back to reference France EF, Ring N, Noyes J, Maxwell M, Jepson R, Duncan E, Turley R, Jones D, Uny I. Protocol-developing meta-ethnography reporting guidelines (eMERGe). BMC Med Res Methodol. 2015;15(1):103.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef France EF, Ring N, Noyes J, Maxwell M, Jepson R, Duncan E, Turley R, Jones D, Uny I. Protocol-developing meta-ethnography reporting guidelines (eMERGe). BMC Med Res Methodol. 2015;15(1):103.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Cunningham M, France EF, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Roberts RJ, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Turley RL, Noyes J. 13/114/60. Developing a reporting guideline to improve meta-ethnography in health research: the eMERGe mixed-methods study. Health Services and Delivery Research Journal. In press. Cunningham M, France EF, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Roberts RJ, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Turley RL, Noyes J. 13/114/60. Developing a reporting guideline to improve meta-ethnography in health research: the eMERGe mixed-methods study. Health Services and Delivery Research Journal. In press.
24.
go back to reference France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-ethnography: the eMERGe reporting guidance. J Adv Nurs. Epublication ahead of Print. 15 January 2019. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13809. France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-ethnography: the eMERGe reporting guidance. J Adv Nurs. Epublication ahead of Print. 15 January 2019. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1111/​jan.​13809.
25.
go back to reference France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-ethnography: the eMERGe reporting guidance. Review of Education. Epublication ahead of Print. 15 January 2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3147. France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-ethnography: the eMERGe reporting guidance. Review of Education. Epublication ahead of Print. 15 January 2019. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​rev3.​3147.
26.
go back to reference France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-ethnography: the eMERGe reporting guidance. Psycho-oncology. Epublication ahead of Print. 15 January 2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4915. France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-ethnography: the eMERGe reporting guidance. Psycho-oncology. Epublication ahead of Print. 15 January 2019. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​pon.​4915.
27.
go back to reference France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-Ethnography: The eMERGe Reporting Guidance. BMC Med Res Methodol. In press. France EF, Cunningham M, Ring N, Uny I, Duncan EAS, Jepson RG, Maxwell M, Roberts RJ, Turley RL, Booth A, et al. Improving reporting of Meta-Ethnography: The eMERGe Reporting Guidance. BMC Med Res Methodol. In press.
28.
go back to reference Finlayson KW, Dixon A. Qualitative meta-synthesis: a guide for the novice. Nurse Res. 2008;15(2):59–71.PubMedCrossRef Finlayson KW, Dixon A. Qualitative meta-synthesis: a guide for the novice. Nurse Res. 2008;15(2):59–71.PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Paterson BL. “It looks great but how do I know if it fits?”: an introduction to Meta-synthesis research. In K. Hannes & C. Lockwood (eds.): Synthesizing Qualitative Research. Chichester: Wiley; 2011. p. 1–20. Paterson BL. “It looks great but how do I know if it fits?”: an introduction to Meta-synthesis research. In K. Hannes & C. Lockwood (eds.): Synthesizing Qualitative Research. Chichester: Wiley; 2011. p. 1–20.
30.
go back to reference Tong A, Flemming K, McInnes E, Oliver S, Craig J. Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research: ENTREQ. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2012;12:181.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Tong A, Flemming K, McInnes E, Oliver S, Craig J. Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research: ENTREQ. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2012;12:181.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Bearman M, Dawson P. Qualitative synthesis and systematic review in health professions education. Med Educ. 2013;47(3):252–60.PubMedCrossRef Bearman M, Dawson P. Qualitative synthesis and systematic review in health professions education. Med Educ. 2013;47(3):252–60.PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Toye F, Seers K, Allcock N, Briggs M, Carr E, Andrews J, Barker K. Trying to pin down jelly' - exploring intuitive processes in quality assessment for meta-ethnography. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2013;13(1):46.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Toye F, Seers K, Allcock N, Briggs M, Carr E, Andrews J, Barker K. Trying to pin down jelly' - exploring intuitive processes in quality assessment for meta-ethnography. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2013;13(1):46.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Franzel B, Schwiegershausen M, Heusser P, Berger B. How to locate and appraise qualitative research in complementary and alternative medicine. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013;13:125.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Franzel B, Schwiegershausen M, Heusser P, Berger B. How to locate and appraise qualitative research in complementary and alternative medicine. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013;13:125.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Booth A. Acknowledging a Dual Heritage for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis: Harnessing the Qualitative Research and Systematic Review Research Traditions. University of Sheffield; 2013. Booth A. Acknowledging a Dual Heritage for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis: Harnessing the Qualitative Research and Systematic Review Research Traditions. University of Sheffield; 2013.
35.
go back to reference Carroll C, Booth A. Quality assessment of qualitative evidence for systematic review and synthesis: is it meaningful, and if so, how should it be performed? Res Synth Methods. 2015;6(2):149–54.PubMedCrossRef Carroll C, Booth A. Quality assessment of qualitative evidence for systematic review and synthesis: is it meaningful, and if so, how should it be performed? Res Synth Methods. 2015;6(2):149–54.PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Booth A, Noyes J, Flemming K, Gerhardus A, Wahlster P, Van Der Wilt G, Mozygemba K, Refolo P, Sacchini D, Tummers M, et al. Guidance on choosing qualitative evidence synthesis methods for use in health technology assessments of complex interventions. 2016. [Online]. Available from: http://www.integrate-hta.eu/downloads/. Booth A, Noyes J, Flemming K, Gerhardus A, Wahlster P, Van Der Wilt G, Mozygemba K, Refolo P, Sacchini D, Tummers M, et al. Guidance on choosing qualitative evidence synthesis methods for use in health technology assessments of complex interventions. 2016. [Online]. Available from: http://​www.​integrate-hta.​eu/​downloads/​.
37.
go back to reference Malpass A, Shaw A, Sharp D, Walter F, Feder G, Ridd M, Kessler D. “Medication career” or “moral career”? The two sides of managing antidepressants: a meta-ethnography of patients' experience of antidepressants. Soc Sci Med. 2009;68(1):154–68.PubMedCrossRef Malpass A, Shaw A, Sharp D, Walter F, Feder G, Ridd M, Kessler D. Medication career” or “moral career”? The two sides of managing antidepressants: a meta-ethnography of patients' experience of antidepressants. Soc Sci Med. 2009;68(1):154–68.PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Britten N, Pope C. In: Hannes K, Lockwood C, editors. Medicine taking for asthma: a worked example of meta-ethnography (chapter 3). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell BMJ Books; 2012. p. 41–58. Britten N, Pope C. In: Hannes K, Lockwood C, editors. Medicine taking for asthma: a worked example of meta-ethnography (chapter 3). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell BMJ Books; 2012. p. 41–58.
39.
go back to reference Britten N, Campbell R, Pope C, Donovan J, Morgan M, Pill R. Using meta ethnography to synthesise qualitative research: a worked example. J. Health Serv. Res. Policy. 2002;7(4):209–15.PubMedCrossRef Britten N, Campbell R, Pope C, Donovan J, Morgan M, Pill R. Using meta ethnography to synthesise qualitative research: a worked example. J. Health Serv. Res. Policy. 2002;7(4):209–15.PubMedCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Suri H, Clarke D. Advancements in research synthesis methods: from a methodologically inclusive perspective. Rev Educ Res. 2009;79(1):395–430.CrossRef Suri H, Clarke D. Advancements in research synthesis methods: from a methodologically inclusive perspective. Rev Educ Res. 2009;79(1):395–430.CrossRef
41.
go back to reference Sigurdson C, Woodgate R. Designing a Metasynthesis study in pediatric oncology nursing research. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2015;32(6):360–8.PubMedCrossRef Sigurdson C, Woodgate R. Designing a Metasynthesis study in pediatric oncology nursing research. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2015;32(6):360–8.PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Beck CT. Metasynthesis: a goldmine for evidence-based practice. AORN J. 2009;90(5):701–2 705-710.PubMedCrossRef Beck CT. Metasynthesis: a goldmine for evidence-based practice. AORN J. 2009;90(5):701–2 705-710.PubMedCrossRef
43.
go back to reference Bondas T, Hall EO. Challenges in approaching metasynthesis research. Qual Health Res. 2007;17(1):113–21.PubMedCrossRef Bondas T, Hall EO. Challenges in approaching metasynthesis research. Qual Health Res. 2007;17(1):113–21.PubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Pope C, Mays N, Popay J. Chapter 4- interpretive approaches to evidence synthesis. In Pope C, Mays N, Popay J: Synthesizing qualitative and quantitative health evidence: a guide to methods. Maidenhead: Open University Press; 2007. p. 72–94. Pope C, Mays N, Popay J. Chapter 4- interpretive approaches to evidence synthesis. In Pope C, Mays N, Popay J: Synthesizing qualitative and quantitative health evidence: a guide to methods. Maidenhead: Open University Press; 2007. p. 72–94.
45.
go back to reference McCann S, Campbell M, Entwistle V. Recruitment to clinical trials: a meta-ethnographic synthesis of studies of reasons for participation. J Health Serv Res Policy. 2013;18(4):233–41.PubMedCrossRef McCann S, Campbell M, Entwistle V. Recruitment to clinical trials: a meta-ethnographic synthesis of studies of reasons for participation. J Health Serv Res Policy. 2013;18(4):233–41.PubMedCrossRef
46.
go back to reference Pope C, Mays N. Synthesising qualitative research. In: Pope C, Mays N, editors. Qualitative research in health care (3rd ed). Oxford : Blackwell Publishing; BMJ Books; 2006. p. 142–52. Pope C, Mays N. Synthesising qualitative research. In: Pope C, Mays N,  editors. Qualitative research in health care (3rd ed). Oxford : Blackwell Publishing; BMJ Books; 2006. p. 142–52.
47.
go back to reference Bondas T, Hall EOC. A decade of metasynthesis research in health sciences: a meta-method study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well Being. 2007;2(2):101–13.CrossRef Bondas T, Hall EOC. A decade of metasynthesis research in health sciences: a meta-method study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well Being. 2007;2(2):101–13.CrossRef
48.
go back to reference Melendez-Torres GJ, Grant S, Bonell C. A systematic review and critical appraisal of qualitative metasynthetic practice in public health to develop a taxonomy of operations of reciprocal translation. Res Synth Methods. 2015;6(4):357–71.PubMedCrossRef Melendez-Torres GJ, Grant S, Bonell C. A systematic review and critical appraisal of qualitative metasynthetic practice in public health to develop a taxonomy of operations of reciprocal translation. Res Synth Methods. 2015;6(4):357–71.PubMedCrossRef
49.
go back to reference Campbell R, Pound P, Pope C, Britten N, Pill R, Morgan M, Donovan J. Evaluating meta-ethnography: a synthesis of qualitative research on lay experiences of diabetes and diabetes care. Soc Sci Med. 2003;56(4):671–84.PubMedCrossRef Campbell R, Pound P, Pope C, Britten N, Pill R, Morgan M, Donovan J. Evaluating meta-ethnography: a synthesis of qualitative research on lay experiences of diabetes and diabetes care. Soc Sci Med. 2003;56(4):671–84.PubMedCrossRef
50.
go back to reference Erasmus E. The use of street-level bureaucracy theory in health policy analysis in low- and middle-income countries: a meta-ethnographic synthesis. Health Policy Plan. 2014;29(Suppl 3):iii70–8.PubMedCrossRef Erasmus E. The use of street-level bureaucracy theory in health policy analysis in low- and middle-income countries: a meta-ethnographic synthesis. Health Policy Plan. 2014;29(Suppl 3):iii70–8.PubMedCrossRef
51.
go back to reference Walsh D, Downe S. Meta-synthesis method for qualitative research: a literature review. J Adv Nurs. 2005;50(2):204–11.PubMedCrossRef Walsh D, Downe S. Meta-synthesis method for qualitative research: a literature review. J Adv Nurs. 2005;50(2):204–11.PubMedCrossRef
52.
go back to reference McCormick J, Rodney P, Varcoe C. Reinterpretations across studies: an approach to meta-analysis. Qual Health Res. 2003;13(7):933–44.PubMedCrossRef McCormick J, Rodney P, Varcoe C. Reinterpretations across studies: an approach to meta-analysis. Qual Health Res. 2003;13(7):933–44.PubMedCrossRef
53.
go back to reference Kinn LG, Holgersen H, Ekeland TJ, Davidson L. Metasynthesis and bricolage: an artistic exercise of creating a collage of meaning. Qual Health Res. 2013;23(9):1285–92.PubMedCrossRef Kinn LG, Holgersen H, Ekeland TJ, Davidson L. Metasynthesis and bricolage: an artistic exercise of creating a collage of meaning. Qual Health Res. 2013;23(9):1285–92.PubMedCrossRef
54.
go back to reference Booth A, Carroll C, Ilott I, Low LL, Cooper K. Desperately seeking dissonance: identifying the disconfirming case in qualitative evidence synthesis. Qual Health Res. 2013;23(1):126–41.PubMedCrossRef Booth A, Carroll C, Ilott I, Low LL, Cooper K. Desperately seeking dissonance: identifying the disconfirming case in qualitative evidence synthesis. Qual Health Res. 2013;23(1):126–41.PubMedCrossRef
55.
go back to reference Meadows-Oliver M. Meta-ethnography. In: de Chesnay MdC M, editor. Nursing research using ethnography: Qualitative designs and methods in nursing. New York: Springer Publishing Co; 2015. p. 171–9. Meadows-Oliver M. Meta-ethnography. In: de Chesnay MdC M, editor. Nursing research using ethnography: Qualitative designs and methods in nursing. New York: Springer Publishing Co; 2015. p. 171–9.
56.
go back to reference Campbell R, Britten N, Pound P, Donovan J, Morgan M, Pill R, Pope C. Section 4.8- using meta-ethnography to synthesise qualitative research. In: Popay J, editor. Moving beyond effectiveness in evidence synthesis: Methodological issues in the synthesis of diverse sources of evidence. London: NICE; 2006. p. 75–82. Campbell R, Britten N, Pound P, Donovan J, Morgan M, Pill R, Pope C. Section 4.8- using meta-ethnography to synthesise qualitative research. In: Popay J, editor. Moving beyond effectiveness in evidence synthesis: Methodological issues in the synthesis of diverse sources of evidence. London: NICE; 2006. p. 75–82.
58.
go back to reference Finfgeld-Connett D. Metasynthesis findings: potential versus reality. Qual Health Res. 2014;24(11):1581–91.PubMedCrossRef Finfgeld-Connett D. Metasynthesis findings: potential versus reality. Qual Health Res. 2014;24(11):1581–91.PubMedCrossRef
59.
go back to reference Doyle LH. Synthesis through meta-ethnography: paradoxes, enhancements, and possibilities. Qual Res. 2003;3(3):321–44.CrossRef Doyle LH. Synthesis through meta-ethnography: paradoxes, enhancements, and possibilities. Qual Res. 2003;3(3):321–44.CrossRef
60.
go back to reference Garside R. A comparison of methods for the systematic review of qualitative research: two examples using Meta-ethnography and Meta-study. UK: University of Exeter; 2008. Garside R. A comparison of methods for the systematic review of qualitative research: two examples using Meta-ethnography and Meta-study. UK: University of Exeter; 2008.
61.
go back to reference Nye E, Melendez-Torres GJ, Bonnell C. Origins, methods, and advances in qualitative meta-synthesis. Review of Education. 2016;4(1):57–79.CrossRef Nye E, Melendez-Torres GJ, Bonnell C. Origins, methods, and advances in qualitative meta-synthesis. Review of Education. 2016;4(1):57–79.CrossRef
62.
63.
go back to reference Hammersley M. Chapter 11- what is qualitative synthesis and why we do it? In M. Hammersley (ed.): The myth of research based policy and pratice. London: SAGE Publications Ltd; 2013; p. 130–151. Hammersley M. Chapter 11- what is qualitative synthesis and why we do it? In M. Hammersley (ed.): The myth of research based policy and pratice. London: SAGE Publications Ltd; 2013; p. 130–151.
64.
go back to reference Glaser B, Strauss A. The discovery of grounded theory. London: Weidenfeld and Nicholson. 1967;24(25):288–304. Glaser B, Strauss A. The discovery of grounded theory. London: Weidenfeld and Nicholson. 1967;24(25):288–304.
66.
go back to reference Hansen HP, Draborg E, Kristensen FB. Exploring qualitative research synthesis: the role of patients' perspectives in health policy design and decision making. Patient. 2011;4(3):143–52.PubMedCrossRef Hansen HP, Draborg E, Kristensen FB. Exploring qualitative research synthesis: the role of patients' perspectives in health policy design and decision making. Patient. 2011;4(3):143–52.PubMedCrossRef
67.
go back to reference Dixon-Woods M, Agarwal S, Jones D, Young B, Sutton A. Synthesising qualitative and quantitative evidence: a review of possible methods. J Health Serv Res Policy. 2005;10(1):45–53.PubMedCrossRef Dixon-Woods M, Agarwal S, Jones D, Young B, Sutton A. Synthesising qualitative and quantitative evidence: a review of possible methods. J Health Serv Res Policy. 2005;10(1):45–53.PubMedCrossRef
68.
go back to reference Dixon-Woods M, Agarwal S, Young B, Jones D, Sutton AJ. Integrative approaches to qualitative and quantitative evidence. London: Health Development Agency; 2004. Dixon-Woods M, Agarwal S, Young B, Jones D, Sutton AJ. Integrative approaches to qualitative and quantitative evidence. London: Health Development Agency; 2004.
69.
go back to reference Noyes J, Lewin S. Chapter 6: supplemental guidance on selecting a method of qualitative evidence synthesis, and integrating qualitative evidence with Cochrane intervention reviews. In: Noyes J, Booth A, Hannes K, Harden A, Harris J, Lewin S, Lockwood C, Cochrane collaboration qualitative methods Group, editors. Supplementary Guidance for Inclusion of Qualitative Research in Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 1 (updated August 2011); 2011. Noyes J, Lewin S. Chapter 6: supplemental guidance on selecting a method of qualitative evidence synthesis, and integrating qualitative evidence with Cochrane intervention reviews. In: Noyes J, Booth A, Hannes K, Harden A, Harris J, Lewin S, Lockwood C, Cochrane collaboration qualitative methods Group, editors. Supplementary Guidance for Inclusion of Qualitative Research in Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 1 (updated August 2011); 2011.
70.
go back to reference Benoot C, Hannes K, Bilsen J. The use of purposeful sampling in a qualitative evidence synthesis: a worked example on sexual adjustment to a cancer trajectory. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2016;16(1):21.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Benoot C, Hannes K, Bilsen J. The use of purposeful sampling in a qualitative evidence synthesis: a worked example on sexual adjustment to a cancer trajectory. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2016;16(1):21.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
71.
go back to reference Colvin CJ, Smith HJ, Swartz A, Ahs JW, de Heer J, Opiyo N, Kim JC, Marraccini T, George A. Understanding careseeking for child illness in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and conceptual framework based on qualitative research of household recognition and response to child diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria. Soc Sci Med. 2013;86:66–78.PubMedCrossRef Colvin CJ, Smith HJ, Swartz A, Ahs JW, de Heer J, Opiyo N, Kim JC, Marraccini T, George A. Understanding careseeking for child illness in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and conceptual framework based on qualitative research of household recognition and response to child diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria. Soc Sci Med. 2013;86:66–78.PubMedCrossRef
72.
go back to reference Urrieta L Jr, Noblit GW. Cultural constructions of identity: Meta-ethnography and theory. New York: Oxford University Press; 2018. Urrieta L Jr, Noblit GW. Cultural constructions of identity: Meta-ethnography and theory. New York: Oxford University Press; 2018.
73.
go back to reference Toye F, Seers K, Hannink E, Barker K. A mega-ethnography of eleven qualitative evidence syntheses exploring the experience of living with chronic non-malignant pain. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2017;17(1):116. Toye F, Seers K, Hannink E, Barker K. A mega-ethnography of eleven qualitative evidence syntheses exploring the experience of living with chronic non-malignant pain. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2017;17(1):116.
74.
go back to reference Pilkington H. Employing meta-ethnography in the analysis of qualitative data sets on youth activism: a new tool for transnational research projects? Qual Res. 2018;18(1):108–30.CrossRef Pilkington H. Employing meta-ethnography in the analysis of qualitative data sets on youth activism: a new tool for transnational research projects? Qual Res. 2018;18(1):108–30.CrossRef
75.
go back to reference Kakos M, Fritzsche B. A meta-ethnography of two studies on interactions in schools: reflections on the process of translation. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):228–42.CrossRef Kakos M, Fritzsche B. A meta-ethnography of two studies on interactions in schools: reflections on the process of translation. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):228–42.CrossRef
76.
go back to reference Cahill M, Robinson K, Pettigrew J, Galvin R, Stanley M. Qualitative synthesis: a guide to conducting a meta-ethnography. Br J Occup Ther. 2018;81(3):129-137. Cahill M, Robinson K, Pettigrew J, Galvin R, Stanley M. Qualitative synthesis: a guide to conducting a meta-ethnography. Br J Occup Ther. 2018;81(3):129-137.
77.
go back to reference Kakos M, Fritzsche B. Meta-ethnography E&E. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):129–33.CrossRef Kakos M, Fritzsche B. Meta-ethnography E&E. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):129–33.CrossRef
78.
go back to reference Borgnakke K. Meta-ethnography and systematic reviews–linked to the evidence movement and caught in a dilemma. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):194–210.CrossRef Borgnakke K. Meta-ethnography and systematic reviews–linked to the evidence movement and caught in a dilemma. Ethnogr Educ. 2017;12(2):194–210.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
A methodological systematic review of meta-ethnography conduct to articulate the complex analytical phases
Authors
Emma F. France
Isabelle Uny
Nicola Ring
Ruth L. Turley
Margaret Maxwell
Edward A. S. Duncan
Ruth G. Jepson
Rachel J. Roberts
Jane Noyes
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medical Research Methodology / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-019-0670-7

Other articles of this Issue 1/2019

BMC Medical Research Methodology 1/2019 Go to the issue