Interpretive Meta-synthesis Research Articles

How do healthcare professionals experience being subject to complaint? A meta-synthesis of reported psychosocial impacts

ABSTRACT Within healthcare settings, the frequency of complaints made against professionals has been steadily increasing. Despite the significant and sustained duress that complaints may cause, there has been limited research into the experience of those subjected to a complaint. Therefore, a systematic literature review and interpretative meta-synthesis was conducted. Three third-order, interrelated themes were identified encompassing the extensive and significant impacts of complaints on healthcare professionals: “significant and aversive emotional impact,” “the need for support,” and “the legacy of the complaint.” The review highlights the need to be vigilant and sensitive to the profound and pervasive impacts of complaints.

Improving Treatment in Treatment Court: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) of the Drug Court Experience

Drug courts have played a key role in criminal justice reform, particularly in supporting substance use and mental health disorder recovery. Little is known, though, related to drug court participants’ views on the strengths of the program that support their recovery and what suggestions they have to improve programming. This qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) provides a behind-the-scenes perspective of drug court programming from the voices of participants (n = 183). Based on data extracted from a synthesis of nine qualitative studies, three new themes emerged related to the strengths of drug court that support recovery and suggestions to improve programming. The new themes are: (1) Improving treatment in treatment court; (2) The interplay between internal motivation for change and dignity and respect for all; and (3) Being future oriented: Developing a sustainable recovery support system. Implications for drug court practice, policy advocacy, and future research are discussed. Drug courts should revisit how clinical information is exchanged between treatment providers and the justice system, and potentially reduce this collaboration. Furthermore, recommendations are offered on how drug courts can support participants in developing internal motivation for recovery and in sustaining recovery post-drug court.

A meta-Ethnography on Parents’ Experiences of the Internet As a Source of Health Information

The Internet is increasingly being used as a health information resource. This meta-ethnography aimed to synthesize the literature on how parents of children aged below 5 years’ experienced using the Internet for health information purposes. We employed an interpretive meta-synthesis approach—meta-ethnography—according to Noblit & Hare’s seven phases. A total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria, representing four continents and with 650 participants, mainly mothers. We analysed and synthesized the primary studies into the following lines-of-argument synthesis representing a novel conceptual understanding of the phenomenon: Parents experience the Internet as “A cyber partner for child caring” being a 24/7 available “go-to” among other confined sources. Parents find ways of “patching together” trustworthy information in solicitude for their child’s health while navigating between trust and anxiety. They relate online and share their experiences and secrets without being rejected. Clinicians and parents may benefit from “partnering” with this resource.

Sacred space: a qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis of women’s experiences of supportive birthing environments

BackgroundIn the United States there are roughly three million births a year, ranging from cesarean to natural births. A major aspect of the birthing process is related to the healing environment, and how that helps or harms healing for the mother and child. Using the theoretical framework, Theory of Supportive Care Settings (TSCS), this study aimed to explore what is necessary to have a safe and sacred healing environment for mothers.MethodThis study utilized an updated Qualitative Interpretive Meta-synthesis (QIMS) design called QIMS-DTT [deductive theory testing] to answer the research question, What are mother’s experiences of environmental factors contributing to a supportive birthing environment within healthcare settings?ResultsKey terms were run through multiple databases, which resulted in 5,688 articles. After title and abstract screening, 43 were left for full-text, 12 were excluded, leaving 31 to be included in the final QIMS. Five main themes emerged from analysis: 1) Service in the environment, 2) Recognizing oneself within the birthing space, 3) Creating connections with support systems, 4) Being welcomed into the birthing space, and 5) Feeling safe within the birthing environment.ConclusionsProviding a warm and welcoming birth space is crucial for people who give birth to have positive experiences. Providing spaces where the person can feel safe and supported allows them to find empowerment in the situation where they have limited control.

Insights into nutrition education: a qualitative interpretive meta synthesis from the Latin American perspective

Insights into nutrition education: a qualitative interpretive meta synthesis from the Latin American perspective

Impact of bariatric surgery on premenopausal women's womanliness: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis.

Obesity is associated with several co-morbidities in women, including disturbed sex hormone regulation with menstrual disturbances, subfertility, hirsutism, and central fat dispersion, all with an impact on sexual function and quality of life. There are few investigations regarding women's experiences of obesity-related altered sex hormone regulation and resolution after bariatric surgery. This systematic review and interpretive meta-synthesis aim to identify the current qualitative knowledge base concerning women undergoing bariatric surgery and experiences of changes after weight loss, emphasising aspects of womanliness. A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to gain a deeper and broader understanding of the available knowledge about premenopausal women's experienced changes after bariatric surgery. Relevant papers were identified by systematically searching PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Open Grey. The quality of the included studies was assessed, and the data was interpreted and synthesised using Gadamer's hermeneutics. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023394225). A total of 10 studies were considered relevant and included in the qualitative meta-synthesis. Three fusions were identified and interpreted as: "Womanliness," "A healthy and functioning body," and "Mind and Body Connection." Women experienced a return to womanliness after undergoing bariatric surgery with restored menstruation cycles, improved fertility and changed hair and fat dispersion signalling restored sex hormones. Women value a return to a healthy and functioning body that improves their experience of life and ability to take part in it. However, women experienced difficulties in adapting mentally to the drastic physical changes that occur after undergoing surgery. Women that have undergone bariatric surgery report several benefits to their health and well-being, although difficulties in adapting mentally to changes in outer appearance need to be managed in order to successfully move forward with a new life after surgery.

Black Men’s Experiences at Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) : A 30-Year Interpretative Meta-Synthesis

Several studies on Black men in colleges and universities focused heavily on quantitative measurements of their enrollment, retention or attrition, and graduation rates. In contrast, limited research shed light on their qualitative experiences on college/university campuses. Of those, many found that African American male students face unique challenges at predominantly white colleges, including feelings of invisibility, microaggressions, and a dearth of Black faculty. This study takes a different angle to fill the gap by studying the Black men’s experiences at PBIs and HBCUs. Utilizing a Black Male College “Choice” Framework (BMCCF), three reoccurring themes were identified to describe the experiences of Black men at both PBIs and HBCUs: family, psychological, and institutional. Overall, the study found close similarities in the Black Men’s experiences between PBIs and HBCUs. Implications for future research are also suggested.

Points of foster parent stress in the system: A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis

Foster parents provide invaluable care for just under half of the almost 400,000 U.S. children in foster care due to experiences of child maltreatment. Indeed, while many of these children present with various physical or mental health needs because of the complex, often interpersonal traumas they have experienced, some scholars say healthy relationships are a key pillar in healing. The breadth and depth of foster parents’ roles make their wellbeing a key consideration in the wellbeing of the child welfare apparatus itself. Existing literature details a variety of sources of foster parent stress, noting in particular the impact of foster child behavior. However, it seems much more could be gleaned about the nuances of foster parent stress with a more holistic inquiry. The present study aimed to answer the question, “What do foster parents tell us about their greatest points of stress in the foster care system?” Utilizing a Qualitative Interpretive meta-Synthesis (QIMS) research design, the authors synthesized 21 previously published qualitative research articles conducted across the U.S. with a broad sample of 572 foster parent responses. Four primary themes emerged from the analysis, including (1) fighting for respect and inclusion; (2) feeling unsupported; (3) missing information; and (4) parenting stress. Additional subthemes yielded even greater insight into the experience of foster parent stress. Notably, foster parent stress appears to be impacted by interpersonal dynamics with caseworkers, lack of supportive resources, and tension between the respective needs of their children. Implications for child welfare policy, practice, and training are provided.

International Student-Athletes' Psychological and Sociocultural Adjustment Experiences

International college students face psychosocial adjustment challenges transitioning into college, which may be heightened for international student-athletes (ISAs) who also have to adjust to Division I (DI) athletics. Even so, there are limited articles that synthesize the research on this population. Thus, we sought to fill this gap by examining studies focused on the adjustment experiences of ISAs. A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis is a method used in social work research to synthesize the findings of qualitative studies (Aguirre & Bolton, 2014). We used qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis to conduct an exhaustive search of the literature, construct themes, and synthesize themes of qualitative research regarding ISAs and their adjustment experiences. We identified 11 articles with three overarching themes: (a) acculturative stress, (b) adjustment to the college experience, and (c) adjustment to athletics in the United States. Findings suggest ISAs experience not only transitional stress related to their identities as a student and as an athlete but also from their acculturation experiences. Thus, we propose ISAs transitioning to college experience a ternary-or three way-role negotiation of student identity, athlete identity, and cultural identity. Social workers employed at Division I institutions and within Division I athletic departments have the opportunity to advocate for the needs of this population.

A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis of social workers’ experience in end-of-life care

Summary Social workers are an integral part of end-of-life (EOL) care interdisciplinary services and provide comprehensive psychosocial support to dying people. However, despite the rewards, EOL care social work is wrought with challenges. There is currently limited research into the experience of EOL care social workers. Therefore, this qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) study examines the experience of EOL care social workers as revealed in existing literature. The QIMS methodology was used to synthesize and interpret findings from four original qualitative studies to elicit an in-depth response to the research question: What is the experience of social workers who work in EOL care? Findings The theme “EOL care social work is a privilege and a struggle” emerged, with six associated contributing factors: Privilege—(1) death is sacrosanct, (2) death is an opportunity for growth and healing, and (3) the religious/spiritual element of EOL care. Struggle—(1) ongoing pain and heightened emotions, (2) conflict of values, and (3) contextual challenges. This QIMS study serves as a preliminary phase to a subsequent, larger study. Applications This QIMS study provides a foundation for further narrative research into the experience of EOL care social workers. In addition, findings from this QIMS study highlights areas for further attention to foster the well-being of EOL care social workers. Finally, findings from this QIMS study could augment relevant EOL care content in undergraduate social work education.

LGBTQ+ Persons’ Experiences of Parenthood in the Context of Maternal and Child Health Care: A Meta-ethnography

This study aims to integrate and synthesize knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) persons’ experiences of parenthood in the context of maternal and child health care. For nurses to provide optimal care for LGBTQ+ parents, we need to derive knowledge from their perspectives. An interpretive meta-synthesis approach, meta-ethnography, was chosen for this study. A lines-of-argument synthesis based on four themes was developed: (1) Entering the world of LGBTQ+ parenthood; (2) The emotional journey in LGBTQ+ parenthood; (3) Struggling with the system as a LGBTQ+ parent and (4) A need to expand the knowledge horizon of LGBTQ+ parenthood. The overarching metaphor, “To be recognised as parents, unique and good enough, like everybody else,” reflects how recognition and inclusion may support LGBTQ+ persons in their parenthood and broaden the understanding of parenthood. Knowledge of the LGBTQ+ family needs to be given greater attention in maternity and child health care settings, and in education and health policies.

Emotional Stress Experience of Care Professionals for Older Adults with Dementia: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-synthesis

ABSTRACT Emotional stress is a common problem for many professionals in dementia care. Although a plethora of quantitative studies have examined the factors that affect care professionals’ emotional stress, little qualitative research has provided in-depth understanding of professional stress experiences. To magnify the voices of professionals who share their experiences of stress in caring for older adults with dementia, a qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis of five qualitative studies was conducted. Guided by Pearlin’s stress process model, four themes were identified: (1) emotional attachments to older adults with dementia; (2) difficulties in dementia care; (3) stressful working environment; and (4) conflicts with family members of older adults with dementia. Findings further highlighted that professionals’ genuine concern for the well-being of older adults with dementia reinforced the perception of stressors identified in each of the preceding themes. These results could inform the improvements of emotional support for care professionals in practice and policy arenas.

Older immigrant adults experiences with social isolation: a qualitative interpretive meta synthesis

Objectives: Older immigrants totaled 7.3 million in 2018, representing 13.9 percent of the population of seniors in the U.S. While this population is found to contribute significantly to society, along with new opportunities comes circumstantial challenges. Of these, one of the most salient issues for foreign-born older adults is social isolation. Additionally, this population may be at an increased risk for social isolation with poor mental health because migrating to a new country might result in resettlement challenges. Despite these concerns, less is known about the consequences of social isolation among older immigrant adults. Hence, this study seeks to explore consequences of social isolation among older immigrants, as well as interventions to combat isolation. Methods: Guided by the Population Interest Context (PICO) framework and the Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) guidelines. Results: The final sample of seven full text articles were published between 2011 and 2021, totaling 286 participants with ages ranging from 61 to 93 years old. Findings from the study indicated that older immigrants are at risk of social isolation and loneliness because they have fewer social connections due to leaving behind their familiar social group in the home country, encounter linguistic challenges that negatively contribute to greater social isolation and poor mental health. Despite these difficulties older immigrants reported various social interventions, access to senior centers, community programs and services to be of greater importance in building social networks. Conclusion: Authors discuss opportunities for future research, such as exploring evidence-based studies on interventions for social isolation and loneliness of older immigrant populations.

What Would Foucault Say? Applying the Theoretical Lens of Power/Control and Stigma through a Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis of Runaway Girls

Qualitative studies have examined runaway youth and their choices to leave home, their involvement living on the streets, and their lived experiences as stigmatized youth. For the present study, a Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) was conducted to synthesize the data from these various studies. A systematic search located qualitative research that focused on girls who were or had been runaways. They were synthesized in this analysis. The themes of power/control and stigma are analyzed with a Foucaultian lens with an eye toward informing social workers of their roles in the power/control structures that create stigma for runaway youth.

Combating Social Isolation among Older Immigrant Adults: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis

Older immigrants totaled 7.3 million in 2018, representing 13.9 percent of the population of seniors in the U.S. While this population is found to contribute significantly to society, along with new opportunities comes circumstantial challenges. Of these, one of the most salient issues for foreign-born older adults is social isolation. Additionally, this population may be at an increased risk for social isolation with poor mental health because migrating to a new country might results in resettlement challenges. Despite these concerns, less is known about the consequences of social isolation among older immigrant adults. Guided by the Population Interest Context (PICO) framework and the Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) guidelines, this study seeks to explore consequences of social isolation among older immigrant, as well as interventions to combat isolation. The final sample of six full text articles were published between 2011 and 2021, totaling 180 participants with ages ranging from 61 to 93 years old. Findings from the study indicated that older immigrants are at risk of social isolation and loneliness because they have fewer social connections due to leaving behind their familiar social group in the home country, encounter linguistic challenges that negatively contribute to greater social isolation and poor mental health. Despite these difficulties older immigrants reported various social interventions, i.e., access to senior centers, community programs and services to be of greater importance in building social networks. Authors discuss opportunities for future research, such as exploring evidence-based studies on interventions for social isolation and loneliness of older immigrant populations.

Combating Social Isolation among Older Immigrant Adults: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis

Older immigrants totaled 7.3 million in 2018, representing 13.9 percent of the population of seniors in the U.S. While this population is found to contribute significantly to society, along with new opportunities comes circumstantial challenges. Of these, one of the most salient issues for foreign-born older adults is social isolation. Additionally, this population may be at an increased risk for social isolation with poor mental health because migrating to a new country might results in resettlement challenges. Despite these concerns, less is known about the consequences of social isolation among older immigrant adults. Guided by the Population Interest Context (PICO) framework and the Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) guidelines, this study seeks to explore consequences of social isolation among older immigrant, as well as interventions to combat isolation. The final sample of six full text articles were published between 2011 and 2021, totaling 180 participants with ages ranging from 61 to 93 years old. Findings from the study indicated that older immigrants are at risk of social isolation and loneliness because they have fewer social connections due to leaving behind their familiar social group in the home country, encounter linguistic challenges that negatively contribute to greater social isolation and poor mental health. Despite these difficulties older immigrants reported various social interventions, i.e., access to senior centers, community programs and services to be of greater importance in building social networks. Authors discuss opportunities for future research, such as exploring evidence-based studies on interventions for social isolation and loneliness of older immigrant populations.

The Impact Of Patient Suicide on Doctors and Nurses: A Critical Interpretive Meta-Synthesis

Objective To provide a conceptual overview of how medical doctors and nurses experience patient suicide. Method A systematic search identified ten qualitative papers for this interpretive meta-synthesis. Constructs were elicited and synthesized via reciprocal translational analysis. Results Findings comprised four inter-related themes: (1) Intrinsic but taboo: patient suicide perceived as inevitable yet difficult to discuss. (2) Significant emotional impact: clinicians deeply affected, with resilience important for mitigating impact. (3) Failure and accountability: intense self-scrutiny, guilt and shame, with blame attributed differently across professions. (4) Legacy of patient suicide: opportunities for growth but lack of postvention guidance. Conclusions Patient suicide affects clinicians profoundly. Further research should evaluate postvention procedures to inform effective guidance and support, acknowledging professional differences. Highlights Patient suicide profoundly affects doctors and nurses as “suicide survivors.” Despite common themes, professions differed in blame attributions. Organizations must develop postvention responses to meet clinicians’ pastoral needs.

A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) of women’s experiences in drug court: Promoting recovery in the criminal justice system

ABSTRACT Drug courts have been part of the criminal justice system for over 30 years. A plethora of quantitative quasi-experimental, experimental, and meta-analytic studies have demonstrated their effectiveness at promoting recovery from substance use disorders and reducing criminal recidivism. Qualitative studies, however, are less common and little is known about specific populations that drug courts serve, such as women. To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) of women’s experiences in drug court (n = 79). The QIMS resulted in four new, overarching themes related to (1) receiving praise, compassion and encouragement from the judge and counseling staff; (2) promotion of parenting skills and improvement of mother-child relationships; (3) receiving gender-specific services addressing co-occurring mental health and trauma issues; and (4) continuous performance monitoring, including drug testing, which held participants accountable for their conduct while promoting gradual development of intrinsic motivation for change. Implications for drug court practice and future research are discussed.

Transportation Barriers to Successful Reentry among Returning Citizens: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-synthesis

Over 600,000 individuals return to United States communities from prison each year. Transportation has been identified as a major barrier to successful reentry. Applying qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis to achieve a deep understanding of reentry transportation obstacles, 11 articles with 362 male and female participants were identified. Two themes emerged from our analysis: (1) “Transportation connects complex obligations,” highlighting the critical role that transportation plays in the successful navigation of post-release conditions; and (2) “Transportation deficiencies exacerbate vulnerability,” revealing how transportation factors intertwine with structural issues to increase precarity.

Emergency Nurses' Experiences in Treating Patients With Mental Illness: A Qualitative, Interpretive Metasynthesis

IntroductionEach year, emergency departments are seeing an increase in the number of patients with mental illness. Nurses often do not feel equipped with the knowledge or skills for this patient population while caring for them. Although there is published literature about nurses caring for patients with mental illness, there is a gap in knowledge about the lived experiences of these frontline workers. MethodsTo gain a better understanding of the experiences of emergency nurses in treating patients presenting with psychiatric issues, a qualitative interpretive metasynthesis of 5 qualitative articles was conducted. ResultsThree themes emerged from the synthesis: (1) feeling unprepared and unqualified, (2) feeling anxious and hesitant, and (3) the need to keep the patient environment safe. DiscussionThe overarching finding in our QIMS was the prevalent feeling of general concern regarding treating patients with mental illness despite the nurses' own preconceptions and apprehensions. It is important to understand the lived experiences of nurses treating patients with mental illness to learn be better prepared for future encounters.