Meta-ethnographic Approach Research Articles

The experience of meaning and value in occupations for forced migrants seeking asylum, and factors that facilitate occupational engagement: A meta-ethnography using a strength-based approach

Introduction Asylum-seekers face significant barriers to meaningful occupation, leading to negative health and wellbeing outcomes. This study provides a strength-based approach to enhance understandings about the meaning of occupation for those seeking asylum. Method A systematic search of the literature identified seven qualitative research studies. A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise the findings. Results Examination of the selected studies generated three third-order interpretations as follows: keeping busy as a coping mechanism; maintaining continuity with past life by preserving identity, roles, values and culture; and building a new future with a drive to be a productive member of society. The study also identified factors that support meaningful occupational engagement during asylum. Conclusion This study shows that occupations are essential to existence for asylum-seekers. They help preserve identity and life-continuity; help people make sense of disorder in their life; and provide opportunity for reflection, leading to motivation toward goal-directed occupation. Finally, engaging in occupation helps people adjust and cope with trauma. The study highlights that a lack of meaningful occupations may limit the long-term benefits of occupational engagement while seeking asylum. Recommendations are made for further research to challenge restrictive policies and promote the rights and wellbeing of this population.

Motivators and demotivators to accessing malaria in pregnancy interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-ethnographic review

BackgroundDespite the introduction of efficacious interventions for malaria control, sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the highest burden of malaria and its associated effects on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children. This meta-ethnographic review contributes to literature on malaria in pregnancy interventions in sub-Saharan Africa by offering insights into the multiple factors that motivate or demotivate women from accessing MiP interventions.MethodsA meta-ethnographic approach was used for the synthesis. Original qualitative research articles published from 2010 to November 2021 in English in sub-Saharan Africa were searched for. Articles focusing on WHO’s recommended interventions such as intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, long-lasting insecticidal nets and testing and treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) were included. Selected articles were uploaded into Nvivo 11 for thematic coding and synthesis.ResultsTwenty-seven original qualitative research articles were included in the analysis. Main factors motivating uptake of MiP interventions were: (1) well organized ANC, positive attitudes of health workers and availability of MiP services; (2) Women’s knowledge of the effects of malaria in pregnancy, previous experience of accessing responsive ANC; (3) financial resources and encouragement from partners, relatives and friends and (4) favourable weather condition and nearness to a health facility. Factors that demotivated women from using MiP services were: (1) stock-outs, ANC charges and health providers failure to provide women with ample education on the need for MiP care; (2) perception of not being at risk and the culture of self-medication; (3) fear of being bewitched if pregnancy was noticed early, women’s lack of decision-making power and dependence on traditional remedies and (4) warm weather, long distances to health facilities and the style of construction of houses making it difficult to hang LLINs.ConclusionsHealth system gaps need to be strengthened in order to ensure that MiP interventions become accessible to women. Additionally, health managers need to involve communities in planning, designing and implementing malaria interventions for pregnant women. It is important that the health system engage extensively with communities to facilitate pregnant women and communities understanding of MiP interventions and the need to support pregnant women to access them.

Feedforward practices: a systematic review of the literature

The notion of ‘feedforward’ has emerged as popular with practitioners, and there has been an upsurge in publications which include this term. This interpretivist and conceptual systematic review sought to consider the different forms of educational practices that are framed in relation to feedforward. The initial search of four electronic databases found 1076 articles published between 2007 and 2019, which were reduced to 68 once duplicates had been removed and exclusion/inclusion criteria applied during screening and eligibility procedures. An iterative meta-ethnographic approach to analysis resulted in the identification of five main practices, framed as feedforward. These were: alignment and timing (41%); use (25%); comments (18%); self-review (9%); and teaching (7%). The vast majority involved a process where student improvement was a key goal, but the design of this process differed between practices. A large proportion supported improvement from one task to the next, almost exclusively within the ‘future horizon’ of the module/study unit, while only a small proportion of articles focuses on improving the amount, nature or quality of the information delivered to learners. Evidence of student sense-making and uptake was rarely sought, and few practices offered genuine opportunities for student agency, self-regulation and the development of evaluative judgment.

Lived experiences of transgender forced migrants and their mental health outcomes: systematic review and meta-ethnography.

Owing to multiple, complex and intersecting health inequities, systemic oppression and violence and discrimination in their home countries, some transgender people are forced to migrate to countries that offer them better legal protection and wider social acceptance. This review sought to explore and understand the multiple factors that shape the mental health outcomes of transgender forced migrants (TFMs). We systematically searched nine electronic databases for multidisciplinary literature (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020183062). We used a meta-ethnographic approach to synthesise data. We completed a quality appraisal and developed a socio-ecological model to draw together our findings. We retrieved 3399 records and screened titles, abstracts and full text to include 24 qualitative studies in this review. The synthesis identified individual survival strategies and factors in interpersonal, organisational and societal environments that contributed to profound deprivation and mental distress in TFMs. Pervasive and persistent violence and discrimination, economic exclusion, barriers to healthcare and a dependency on legal documentation were identified as key factors leading to poor mental health outcomes. Sources of resilience included community acceptance and support, being granted asylum, societal affirmation of gender, fulfilment of basic rights and healthcare access. Individual strategies for survival, such as hope and having purpose in life, were important in bringing relief from distress. Improved communication and knowledge about the unique needs and concerns of TFMs through interventions at the individual, interpersonal, organisational and societal levels are necessary to improve mental health outcomes.

Patients' experiences and perspectives of patient-reported outcome measures in clinical care: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis.

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) or patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are used by clinicians in everyday clinical practice to assess patients’ perceptions of their own health and the healthcare they receive. By providing insight into how illness and interventions impact on patients’ lives, they can help to bridge the gap between clinicians’ expectations and what matters most to the patient. Given increasing focus on patient-centred care, the objective of this meta-synthesis was to summarise the qualitative evidence regarding patients’ perspectives and experiences of the use of PROMs in clinical care.MethodsA systematic search of the following databases was undertaken in August 2020: Medline, EMBASE, EMCARE, PsychINFO, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. This review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research (CASP). A meta-ethnographic approach was used for data extraction and meta-synthesis of findings (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020202506).ResultsFourteen studies from a range of countries with differing qualitative research methodologies were identified. Three themes were identified, namely ‘patient preferences regarding PROMs’, ‘patient perceived benefits’ and ‘barriers to patient engagement with PROMs’. The perspectives of patients suggested they preferred PROMs that were simple and relevant to their conditions and found benefits in the way they facilitated self-reflection and effective communication with their clinicians. Patients, however, questioned the relevance of some individual questions and purpose.ConclusionPROMs can be a useful tool in the clinical setting by enabling individualisation and patient centred care. This meta-synthesis provides insights into what patients find beneficial as well as barriers to their engagement, highlighting the importance of educating patients about PROMs.

Heading for a better world: micropolitical activism of young people seeking social change

ABSTRACT The article explores young people’s expressions of political activism as a combination of the participation and agency of young people reflecting, in particular on the ethical and emotional dimensions of their social involvement. The findings are based on ethnographic research carried out with three groups of young people (the Autonomists in Germany, the No-TAV in Italy and the Not In Our Town in Slovakia) who are actively engaged in responding to the social conflict they experience or perceive. The article is based on the analysis of 61 semi-structured interviews employing a meta-ethnographic synthesis approach. The findings show that stigmatisation and conflict with authority and the perception of social injustice motivate the young people to engage actively in society and create alternative lifestyles and communities on the principles of solidarity, equality and mutual respect. A sense of community and solidarity emerges as both a stimulus and an outcome of young people’s social involvement and demonstrate the centrality to their engagement of its ethical and emotional dimensions. The authors suggest that relatively new forms of political activism may be understood as a cumulation of micro-political practices driven by individual constellations of ethical and moral issues rather than by traditional, ideologically oriented political structures.

Digital literacy competency indicator for Indonesian high vocational education needs

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, education in Indonesia has shifted from face-to-face learning to online learning via the internet and digital technology. Therefore, digital literacy is a skill needed by vocational students and teachers today. This study aimed to identify and analyze digital literacy competency indicators to improve the quality of learning in high vocational education. This research employed a systematic review method, especially a qualitative meta-ethnographic approach, by reviewing various studies related to digital literacy competencies from various journal articles and conferences to then carry out the synthesis process. Meta-ethnography as part of the systematic review method integrates data across studies to obtain new theories and concepts with a deeper and more thorough understanding. The results showed four competency factors and 28 indicators to improve digital literacy competence. This research can be the basis of creating a digital literacy assessment model for high vocational education in Indonesia.

\u201cSurviving to thriving\u201d: a meta-ethnography of the experiences of healthcare staff caring for persons with COVID-19

BackgroundThe emergence of the Coronavirus disease has heightened the experience of emotional burden among healthcare staff. To guide the development of support programmes, this review sought to aggregate and synthesise qualitative studies to establish a comparative understanding of the experiences of healthcare staff caring for persons with the disease.DesignA meta-ethnography approach was used to aggregate and synthesise primary qualitative studies. Database search was undertaken from January to November 2020. A standardised tool was used to extract data from the identified primary studies. The studies were translated into each other to formulate overarching concepts/ metaphors which formed the basis of undertaking a narrative synthesis.ResultsEight qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Two overarching metaphors/ concepts were formulated from the primary studies: 1) surviving to thriving in an evolving space and 2) support amid the new normal. The initial phase of entering the space of caring during the outbreak was filled with psychological chaos as healthcare staff struggled to survive within the context of an illness which was not fully understood. Gradually, healthcare staff may transition to a thriving phase characterised by resilience but still experienced heavy workload and physical/ emotional exhaustion predisposing them to burnout and compassion fatigue. Fear persisted throughout their experiences: fear of contracting the disease or infecting one’s family members/ loved ones remained a key concern among healthcare staff despite infection precaution measures. Healthcare staff who contracted the disease felt isolated with additional fears of dying alone. The sources of support were varied with a strong emphasis on peer support.ConclusionsHealthcare staff caring for persons infected with the Coronavirus disease are at risk of burnout and compassion fatigue and require ongoing mental health support commensurate to their needs. Staff who contract the disease may require additional support to navigate through the illness and recovery. Policies and concerted efforts are needed to strengthen support systems and build resilience among healthcare staff.

Older persons' experience of eHealth services in home health care: A meta-ethnography eHealth services in home health care.

This study aimed to describe older persons' experiences of eHealth services in home health care. A meta-ethnographic approach was applied, and a systematic literature search was conducted in three databases. In total, 11 articles were included and analysed, which resulted in two themes and six sub-themes. The results show that for older persons to use the eHealth services, they must provide some additional value compared to current contacts with healthcare professionals. Those with regular healthcare contact do not experience the eHealth service as adding anything to the care they already receive. The introduction of eHealth services involves learning how to use the new technology, and some older persons experience the technology as motivating and inspiring. The eHealth service makes some feel safer while some do not trust the technology. In order to make the best use of eHealth services, it is important that the services are adjusted not only to each person's needs but also to their personal capabilities and resources, while the older person must feel valued as an active partner in the care process. Thus, when using eHealth services, the older person's perspective needs to be given priority and decisions should not only be based on organizational considerations.

Southeast and East Asian immigrant women's transnational postpartum experiences: A meta-ethnography.

The increase in births to Southeast and East Asian (SEEA) immigrants in their adopted countries is of international importance. SEEA women experience the postpartum period differently than that of the general population. Despite the documented difference, there is limited representation of SEEA women in the literature. The purpose of this meta-ethnography is to synthesise the qualitative findings from different research studies examining the experiences of SEEA immigrant women during the first 4-6weeks of the postpartum period and has been written in adherence with enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (PRISMA). Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach was used. Seven articles (four qualitative and three mixed-methods studies) were reviewed, analysed and synthesised. Four themes emerged: two were facilitators of birth culture (availability and quality of social support and maternity care provider cultural knowledge and response) and two were barriers to birth culture (lack of structural and social support and cultural alienation after childbirth). Due to lack of structural and social support in SEEA immigrant women's adopted countries, they also experienced social and economic hardships after childbirth and made conscious decisions to modify their postpartum cultural practices out of convenience and practicality. SEEA immigrant women also experienced discrimination from maternity care providers, which prevented them from fully engaging in postpartum cultural practices. Maternity care providers can advocate and intervene for SEEA immigrant women by eliciting any postpartum cultural beliefs, assess their social and economic needs early on in prenatal care and make culturally congruent referrals based on those assessments.

Individual, healthcare professional and system-level barriers and facilitators to initiation and adherence to injectable therapies for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-ethnography.

To review and synthesise the contemporary qualitative evidence, relating to the individual, healthcare professional and system-level barriers and facilitators to injectable therapies in people with type 2 diabetes, and evaluate (using an intersectional approach to explore the diverse perspectives of different identities) whether views have changed with treatment and guideline advancements. A meta-ethnography approach used. Eight databases searched from the years 2006 (GLP-1 analogues introduced) to February 2021. Study selection (using a pre-defined inclusion criteria), quality appraisal and data extraction, conducted independently by two reviewers. Screened 7143 abstracts, assessed 93 full-text papers for eligibility and included 42studies-using data from 818 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 160healthcare professionals. Studies covered a diverse range of views from healthcare professionals and individuals, including those relating to older adults and people from ethnic migrant backgrounds, and 10studies rated moderate to strong research value. Key themes abstracted: barriers (physical/psychological/social) and facilitators (motivation/capability/opportunity). The first synthesis of contemporary qualitative data to adopt an intersectionality approach and explore diverse views relating to barriers and facilitators that influence engagement with injectable treatments for type 2 diabetes. A model is presented to help patients, health practitioners and policy makers identify barriers and facilitators and understand the complex interplay of physical, psychological and social factors involved when prescribing injectable therapies. Despite advances in injectable treatments and guidelines, findings highlight the many barriers that still exist and show how strongly held culturally-specific health beliefs of people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds can become substantial obstacles to treatment.

Social network participation towards enactment of self-care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative meta-ethnography.

BackgroundHow people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) engage with supportive social networks to enhance self‐care is not understood. The personal rationales for participation in socially directed support have not been addressed in the literature. To determine how people with COPD identify, engage and participate in socially supportive self‐care practices, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐ethnography of qualitative studies.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted between June 2010 and June 2021. Of 3536 articles, 8 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Using a meta‐ethnography approach to the qualitative synthesis, new concepts were derived from the data to identify aligning themes and develop a conceptual model.FindingsInterpretations from the papers yielded concepts of (1) accountability and personal responsibility in self‐care, (2) valued positive relationships with clinicians, (3) understanding of illness through shared and personal experiences and (4) acknowledging social networks in fostering self‐care engagement in people with COPD. The independence‐experience (Index) model of synthesized (third order) interpretations highlighted the processes of social networks and self‐care practices: (a) fear or avoidance of dependency, (b) learning from experiences of adaptive self‐care behaviours and (c) including valued practices in self‐care. Self‐care strategies are formed through illness experiences and relatable social encounters.ConclusionThe model derived from the third‐order interpretations is a framework to describe socially supported self‐care and can be used to direct future self‐care strategies and target interventions for people with COPD.Patient or Public ContributionThe findings and model were presented to the long‐term conditions patient and public involvement group. The manuscript is coauthored by a public representative.

Using meta-ethnography to understand the care transition experience of people with dementia and their caregivers.

Older adults living with dementia are at risk for more complex health care transitions than individuals without this condition, non-impaired individuals. Poor quality care transitions have resulted in a growing body of qualitative empirical literature that to date has not been synthesized. We conducted a systematic literature review by applying a meta-ethnography approach to answer the following question: How do older adults with dementia and/or their caregivers experience and perceive healthcare transition: Screening resulted in a total of 18 studies that met inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed the following three categories associated with the health care transition: (1) Feelings associated with the healthcare transition; (2) processes associated with the healthcare transition; and (3) evaluating the quality of care associated with the health care transition. Each category is represented by several themes that together illustrate an interconnected and layered experience. The health care transition, often triggered by caregivers reaching a “tipping point,” is manifested by a variety of feelings, while simultaneously caregivers report managing abrupt transition plans and maintaining vigilance over care being provided to their family member. Future practice and research opportunities should be more inclusive of persons with dementia and should establish ways of better supporting caregivers through needs assessments, addressing feelings of grief, ongoing communication with the care team, and integrating more personalized knowledge at points of transition.

Improving Psychological Interventions from the Perspective of Forensic Mental Health Service Users: A Meta-synthesis

ABSTRACT Limited evidence exists for the effectiveness of psychological interventions that target the mental health needs of people who use forensic mental health services. Capturing service users’ perspectives and experiences may provide information helpful to understanding why this is the case. It may also provide information that could help to improve the effectiveness of such interventions with this population. This paper aimed to address this and reviewed qualitative studies to identify the factors that are considered important to the effectiveness of interventions from the perspectives of service users. A review of the literature was conducted and eleven papers were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. A meta-ethnography approach was used to synthesize the data. Six super-ordinate themes emerged which were synthesized into a hierarchy of treatment based on two main categories: “Treatment Foundations” and “Treatment Benefits.” The findings suggested that addressing the Treatment Foundation factors such as enabling informed decision-making; developing trusting therapeutic relationships; and providing accessible materials whilst considering service user preferences can in turn result in service users benefitting from treatment in a number of ways. The findings have significant implications for future research, mental health service providers, clinicians and therapists, and for those who design therapeutic interventions.

What is the Experience of Parents During the Home Care Management of Children With Congenital Heart Disease, Following Cardiac Surgery? Findings From a Metasynthesis

The home management of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the postsurgical phase represents one of the most complex phases for their parents. To date, the information available in the scientific landscape regarding the experiences and difficulties faced by the parents of children with CHD during this phase is still lacking. Accordingly, the study aims to synthesize the available qualitative evidence on parents’ experience during the home care management of children with CHD after cardiac surgery. Two databases were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies relating to parental experience about the home care management of children with CHD after cardiac surgery. Studies were carried out using Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach. The search yielded 183 results. After applying the inclusion criteria, nine articles were included in the meta-synthesis. The included articles were analyzed following the meta-ethnography approach. Five main themes were identified: (a) psychological and emotional impact and daily challenges; (b) continuity of care; (c) loneliness, isolation, and the need for knowledge; (d) new parental role; (e) assistance and support. The role of parents in the postsurgical phase of children with CHD is essential. However, numerous psychological nuances and emotional contradictions emerged from the experience of parents involved in this phase. Further studies are needed to identify parenting health and psychosocial support improvement strategies at home.

A meta-synthesis of the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals on the humanisation of childbirth using a meta-ethnographic approach

ProblemThe humanisation of childbirth has been identified as a practice of care focusing on the physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing of women. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are expected to understand and embed humanised practice when supporting women in childbirth. AimThe aim of this paper is to present a meta-synthesis of the experiences and perspectives of HCPs who undertake care for women at the time of birth regarding the humanisation of childbirth. MethodsA systematic search of the electronic databases CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX were conducted in July 2020. Qualitative studies exploring HCPs’ experiences and perspectives of humanisation in childbirth were eligible. Studies were synthesised using a meta-ethnographic approach. FindingsFourteen studies involving 197 participants were included. Two themes were identified: ‘Women at the centre’ and ‘Professional dissonance’. Two line of argument synthesis were identified: ‘invisible boundaries’ and ‘unconscious undermining’. DiscussionHCPs recognised that women required positive interactions which met both their emotional and physical needs. Human touch supported bonding between HCPs and women. HCPs understood humanisation as the reduction of unnecessary intervention and/or technology but had difficulties enacting this and often used disempowering language when discussing women’s choices. The management of pain and the presence of a companion were considered important by HCPs. ConclusionThis synthesis revealed that HCPs do understand the humanisation of childbirth but have difficulties in enacting it in practice. Women classified as high risk were identified as having specific needs such as increased emotional support. Further research is required for women classified as high risk who may require technology and/or interventions to maintain a safe birth.

Experiences of mental health professionals providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research studies.

Background:Mental health professionals play an important role in providing care and treatment for adults with intellectual disabilities. A number of studies use qualitative methods to explore the experiences of these professionals and their perspectives regarding the mental health services for this population. A systematic review using meta-ethnographic approach was undertaken to summarise this research.Method:A systematic search found 14 relevant studies which were critically appraised. Key themes from these studies were extracted and synthesised.Results:Three main themes were identified: 1) Understanding the person, 2) Relational interaction and 3) Organisational factors.Conclusions:The findings of this review identified the issues mental health professionals raised in relation to their work. They described the complex presenting problems as intense yet fulfilling therapeutic relationships with their clients and their wish to improve their knowledge and skills. They identified organisational issues that need to be addressed to improve staff morale and efficiency.

The interpersonal processes of non-suicidal self-injury: A systematic review and meta-synthesis.

Understanding the processes underlying non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is important given the negative consequences of this behaviour. Qualitative research has the potential to provide an in-depth exploration of this. There has been limited research regarding the interpersonal processes associated with NSSI; therefore, a meta-synthesis was conducted to investigate this. A search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL electronic databases from date of inception to November 2020 was conducted. In total, 30 papers were included in the final review. A meta-ethnographic approach was utilized to synthesize the data. Two overarching themes were found. Within 'Powerful relational dynamics', NSSI was cited as a response to participants becoming stuck in aversive or disempowering relational positions with others. Within the 'Taking matters into their own hands' subtheme, NSSI was reported as a way for participants to get interpersonal and emotional needs met. Several included papers did not comment on the researcher-participant relationship, which may have affected qualitative results. A small number of potentially eligible papers were unavailable for synthesizing. Findings provide a more nuanced investigation of the interpersonal processes underlying NSSI. Consistent with relevant theories, NSSI appears to be a way of mitigating difficult interpersonal experiences or getting interpersonal needs met. NSSI may be engaged in as a substitute to other, less damaging ways to cope. An argument is made for a more empathetic understanding of NSSI and the use of relational interventions. Self-injury may occur in response to interpersonal stressors Self-injury can be a means to get interpersonal needs met Self-injury may replace other means of coping that become blocked or thwarted Emotional distress can be closely linked with interpersonal factors for this group Relational therapies may be beneficial where interpersonal processes are linked to NSSI.

The emerging norms of e-cigarette use among adolescents: A meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence.

While qualitative research has indicated that adolescents' motivation for e-cigarette use is different than adults', this body of literature has not yet been brought together and synthesised. We reviewed qualitative evidence on perceptions and uses of e-cigarettes in order to explore the emerging norms of vaping among adolescents. We searched five databases for qualitative research in October 2019 with no restrictions on date of publication or data collection. We identified fifteen papers from thirteen studies. Using a meta-ethnographic approach, we identified a spectrum of descriptive and injunctive norms of vaping across the themes of addiction; perceptions of comparative harm; parental perceptions and peer perceptions. We found addiction and perceptions of comparative harm to reflect descriptive norms, while we found clearer evidence explaining the use and non-use of e-cigarettes through parental and peer approval of vaping. However, these norms were fluid, diverse and sometimes contradictory. This review provides a resource for researchers, policymakers and practitioners to better understand the ways that emerging norms could be influenced through policy and practice.

Children and young people's experiences of living with developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia: A systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative research.

BackgroundTo date services for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have not been informed by the perspective of children with DCD. This study aimed to synthesise the findings of discrete qualitative studies reporting the lived experiences views and preferences of children and young with DCD using a meta-ethnographic approach to develop new conceptual understandings.MethodsA systematic search of ten databases; Academic Search Complete, AMED, CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsychArticles, PsychInfo, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science, was conducted between March and April 2019, and updated in early June 2020. Meta-ethnography, following the method described by Noblit and Hare was used to synthesise included studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist was used to appraise all included papers. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019129178.ResultsFifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-ethnographic synthesis produced three themes; a) ‘It’s harder than it should be’: Navigating daily activities b) Fitting in, and c) ‘So what? I drop things’: Strategies and supports to mitigate challenges. Children with DCD describe a mismatch between their abilities and performance norms for daily activities that led to a cascade of negative consequences including negative self-appraisal, bullying and exclusion. In the face of these difficulties children described creative and successful strategies they enacted and supports they accessed including; assistance from others (parents, friends and teachers), focusing on their strengths and talents, accepting and embracing their difference, adopting a “just do it” attitude, setting personal goals, self-exclusion from some social activities, using humour or sarcasm, viewing performance expectations as a social construct, and enjoying friendships as a forum for fun, acceptance and protection against exclusion.ConclusionService provision for children and young people with DCD should address the social and attitudinal environments, focus on friendship and social inclusion and address stigma-based bullying particularly within the school environment. Furthermore, practitioners should identify and foster children’s own strategies for navigating daily life activities with DCD. The identified themes resonate with contemporary disability theory and the International Classification of Functioning. The social and attitudinal environmental context of children and young people with DCD profoundly influences their experiences. Future intervention development and service provision for children and young people with DCD should consider opportunities to address social and attitudinal environmental factors.