Qualitative Synthesis Methods Research Articles

Efficacy of digital interventions on physical activity promotion in individuals with noncommunicable diseases: an overview of systematic reviews

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is considered one of the main modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. It has been proven that an active lifestyle is an efficient means of preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases. Multiple barriers have been identified that hinder engagement in conventional physical activity programs and the achievement of physical activity recommendations. Digital interventions may expand opportunities to resolve these barriers and empower people with noncommunicable diseases to be physically active. This overview of systematic reviews aims to evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions on physical activity promotion among individuals with major noncommunicable diseases.MethodA protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022364350). A qualitative synthesis method was applied to summarize the efficacy data. The assessment of methodological quality using AMSTAR-2 for each systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers.ResultsSearches in nine databases resulted in seven systematic reviews for inclusion. Most of the primary studies included in these seven reviews were conducted in high-income countries. The reviews addressed five populations: participants with cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Digital interventions were classified into two categories: interventions based on digital activity trackers and remote interventions via digital facilities. Additional components were identified in both categories of interventions such as motivational content, counseling, goal setting, tailored feedback/reminders, and other behavioral change techniques. The overall quality of the reviews ranged from critically low to low. The findings provided some evidence that both categories of interventions were effective in promoting physical activity.ConclusionThe findings of this overview suggest that some types of digital interventions, such as self-monitoring with digital activity trackers and remote interventions via digital facilities, may be effective means of promoting physical activity across major noncommunicable diseases. The findings should be interpreted cautiously since the methodological quality of the included reviews ranged from critically low to low, and there was no consistent assessment of the certainty of evidence. Further systematic reviews are required on efficacy of digital interventions with more rigorous conducting and reporting of systematic review methodologies.

Constitution of Long COVID illness, patienthood and recovery: a critical synthesis of qualitative studies

ObjectivesTo investigate the lived experiences of Long COVID.DesignCritical interpretive synthesis of qualitative research.Data sourcesPubMed and Web of Science databases were searched on 14 September 2023.Eligibility criteriaOriginal peer-reviewed qualitative studies describing...

Insights of healthcare professionals regarding waterbirths and water immersion during labour: A mixed studies review.

To consolidate healthcare professionals' insights about waterbirths and water immersion during labour. Mixed studies review. Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates till June 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Pluye and Hong's mixed studies review framework guided this review. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were synthesized using the convergent qualitative synthesis method, and results were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework. Three main themes were identified from the 22 included studies: (1) believing in waterbirths, (2) opposing forces and (3) plotting the course ahead. Healthcare professionals reported different views about waterbirths and water immersion practices; midwives were most likely to support these practices, followed by nurses and lastly, few physicians supported them. Reasons for opposing waterbirths include insufficient training and support from colleagues as well as concerns about work efficiency, waterbirth safety and litigation issues. The available evidence suggests the need to provide waterbirth training for healthcare professionals, equip healthcare facilities with necessary waterbirth-related infrastructure and develop appropriate waterbirth policies/guidelines. Healthcare professionals could also consider providing antenatal waterbirth education to women and obtain women's feedback to improve current policies/guidelines. Future research should explore the views of different types of healthcare professionals from more diverse cultures. The PRISMA guidelines. Systematic review.

Male Renal Transplant Recipients’ Experiences From Their Wives’ Pregnancy and Childbirth

This study aimed to analyze male renal transplant recipients' experience with their partners' pregnancy and childbirth and to investigate their methods of nursing their condition. We performed semistructured interviews and collected data from 6 Japanese males who underwent a kidney transplant after their partner had given birth. The data were analyzed using the Qualitative Synthesis Method (KJ Method). The mean age of the participants at data collection was 40.3 ± 4.7 years, whereas it was 34.7 ± 5.8 years when the transplant was performed. The Qualitative Synthesis Method revealed 7 symbols related to the pregnancy and childbirth experience of the partners of male kidney transplant recipients. Males who received a kidney transplant struggled with severe renal disease before the transplant. They also experienced indecisiveness about whether they should go through with the transplant. However, their lives changed because of the transplant and having children. This situation resulted in a sense of responsibility and a reason to live robustly for the male kidney transplant recipients. Nevertheless, they faced distress as kidney transplant patients. Their wives supported them through this experience. They communicated to their children what they learned from the experience while effectively dealing with their condition. The improvement in their sexual function resulting from the transplant influenced their determination to get married. It is necessary to offer information about the recovery of fertility and the possibility of having a child when choosing renal replacement therapy, give explanations based on evidence, and construct a counseling system.

Systematic Literature Review: the Sustainable Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Under the Trend of Globalization

Purpose: The development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often faces such problems as shortage of funds and backward technology. The systematic literature review on sustainable development (SD) of SMEs can help accelerate the pace of SMEs' information management construction and promote enterprises' development and growth. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted on empirical data on the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises in China and abroad from 2000 to 2022. Theoretical framework: Systematic review/meta-analysis refers to a research method that comprehensively collects all relevant studies, conducts rigorous evaluation and analysis one by one, and then uses quantitative or qualitative synthesis methods to process the data to reach comprehensive conclusions (Pansare et al., 2023). Design/methodology/approach: This literature review covers 50 articles from peer-reviewed academic journals related to their theoretical area, research design, sampling/data collection methods, data analysis, and thematic areas. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements were used to analyze this study’s systematic literature review. Findings: The result illustrated that numerous research had been done during the past twenty years and new findings are involved with this topic area. SMEs attach more and more importance to the goal of SD and adopt systematic, structured, and formalized ways to promote the SD of enterprises. Research, Practical & Social implications: Several pieces of literature can cover the aspects of ecological entrepreneurship, innovation, business, and environment, which are positively correlated with SD. Originality/value: This paper summarizes existing research results, which can provide research references for the SD of SMEs.

Understanding Meta-Ethnography in Health Professions Education Research.

Understanding Meta-Ethnography in Health Professions Education Research.

Formative Assessment in Secondary Mathematics: Moving Theory to Recommendations for Evidence-Based Practice

Mathematics teacher educators play a key role in supporting secondary mathematics teachers’ development of effective, research-based formative assessment (FA) practices. We used qualitative research synthesis as a tool to identify actionable recommendations for mathematics teacher educators as they work with teachers on FA practices in secondary classrooms. These recommendations can strengthen the research-based practices of mathematics teacher educators as they support teachers’ collections and uses of FA data to move student thinking forward in secondary mathematics. We share and discuss recommendations for mathematics teacher educators to connect pedagogical content knowledge of students, teaching, and curriculum to FA practices. We also highlight the usefulness of the qualitative synthesis method, meta-aggregation, for generating research-based connections between theory and practice in mathematics education.

Reflection of Types of Prosocial Behavior During COVID-19 in Collectivistic Asian Countries-India and Indonesia.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has widened the gap between victims and non-victims in society. Understanding how individuals support and assist COVID-19 sufferers in a pandemic crisis is critical. Thus, this study aims to qualitatively evaluate the prosocial intention and types of prosocial behavior toward COVID-19 victims by low socioeconomic individuals from India and Indonesia’s collectivistic societies. We conducted semi-structured and in-depth interviews during the lockdown from March to May 2020, via phone and in-person, using a purposive selection of respondents (total n = 50). The data were analyzed using the qualitative synthesis method. Five themes were discovered: 1) too scared to help, 2) love to help but scared: moral dilemma, 3) informing authority who knows how to handle, 4) caring, sharing, and supporting, but with a distance, and 5) helping at one’s personal health risk. This study highlights that prosocial intentions range from minor acts of kindness to self-harm and out-of-bounds acts of kindness for COVID-19 victims.

Iran’s Health System Performance in Achieving Goals Based on the World Health Organization’s Framework: A Scoping Review

Background: The health system of each country are required to achieve the goals based on appropriate frameworks. Assessment of health system performance provides an opportunity to address the main mission through recognizing new needs and resolving existing gaps. This review study aims to investigate Iran’s health system performance in achieving its goals based on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s conceptual framework. Methods: This scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. A search in international databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline and in national databases such as SID, MagIran and IranDoc was conducted using the keywords “health system, Iran”, “disease burden”, “responsiveness” and “financial contribution”, which were used in both English and Persian separately for each variables of health promotion, responsiveness, and fair financial contribution. Retrieved articles were analyzed using qualitative synthesis method. Results: Data extracted from articles categorized into the three groups of “Health” (with sub-categories of epidemiologic and demographic transitions), “Responsiveness” and “Fair financing and financial risk protection”. Synthesis of data revealed that the profiles of diseases has been changed over recent decades in Iran, which has resulted in epidemiologic and demographic transitions. In terms of responsiveness, services provided by the health system had not fulfilled patients’ expectations. Regarding fair financial contribution, synthesis of data showed that people had faced high health costs, with a high amount of out-of-pocket payment. Conclusion: Iran’s health system has not yet achieved the goals recommended by the World Health Organization. Fundamental reforming is required in the health system of this country.

Synthesizing Qualitative Evidence: A Roadmap for Information Systems Research

Qualitative synthesis research is an approach that consolidates the output of different qualitative studies to create new subject knowledge. Such work can help reveal more powerful explanations than that seen in a single study, thereby generating increased levels of understanding of a given phenomenon and greater research finding generalizability. Based on a review of the literature and a survey of qualitative researchers, we found that the information systems (IS) domain lacks a clear understanding of qualitative synthesis methods and, as a result, has largely failed to take advantage of this powerful, high-potential methodological opportunity. To address this shortcoming, this paper is the first to provide a rigorous overview of the full suite of 35 qualitative synthesis methods, as well as guidelines that include a three-tiered selection framework. By using the guidelines and framework in tandem, IS researchers are able to select the qualitative synthesis method most appropriate for a given research study, particularly when the research objective involves knowledge integration/aggregation, interpretation/theory development, and/or informing IS practice.

Feedback Credibility in Healthcare Education: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review and synthesize factors that influence learners' perceptions of credibility when feedback is provided by an authority figure in a healthcare environment. This study reviewed literature from medicine, psychology, and education using systematic review and qualitative synthesis methods. In a multi-step process, major electronic bibliographic databases were searched for relevant studies until October 2020. The search identified 9216 articles. A total of 134 abstracts underwent full-text review. Of these, 22 articles met inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogenous and the majority utilized a qualitative design with interviews and focus groups. A few studies employed mixed methodology (n = 2) and two studies used a quantitative design. Four main themes were identified: feedback characteristics, context of feedback, source credibility, and recipient characteristics. As programs implement major educational change initiatives to create more formative assessment practices, feedback will become even more crucial. The four main themes identified are important factors that contribute to the perception of feedback credibility. While the factors are described independently, they may be viewed as interrelated and the association between these factors and feedback may be driven more by learning culture than each characteristic. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-020-01167-w.

A "Rapid Best-Fit" model for framework synthesis: Using research objectives to structure analysis within a rapid review of qualitative evidence.

The short time frame associated with rapid reviews can be challenging for researchers conducting qualitative evidence synthesis. In these circumstances a Best-Fit Framework Synthesis, drawing upon existing theory and/or research, may be conducted to rapidly make sense of qualitative evidence. This article discusses a "Rapid Best-Fit" approach to conducting Framework Synthesis within an 6-week rapid systematic review of qualitative evidence. In the absence of a suitable theoretical model to inform the synthesis, we drew upon our research objectives to structure a framework, and to identify the studies which contained the most relevant data. Themes from these studies were used to revise the initial framework before inductive thematic synthesis finalized theme content. This "Rapid Best-Fit" approach yielded results aligned with the needs of the commissioners of the review and is a useful addition to qualitative synthesis methods, allowing for the incorporation of diverse views and experiences into fast-paced decision making scenarios.

A scoping review of the use of co-design methods with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to improve or adapt mental health services.

Mental health services are increasingly encouraged to use co-design methodologies to engage individuals and families affected by mental health problems in service design and improvement. This scoping review aimed to identify research that used co-design methods with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in mental health services, and to identify methodological considerations for working with this population. In October 2019, we searched five electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science) to identify papers published in which people from CALD backgrounds were engaged in the co-design of a mental health service or program. Searches were limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English in the last 25years (1993-2019). The search identified nine articles that matched the inclusion criteria. Using a scoping review methodology, the first author charted the data using extraction fields and then used qualitative synthesis methods to identify themes. Data were grouped into themes relevant to the research question. The two key themes relate first, to improving the experience for CALD communities when engaging in co-design research and second, to the development of co-design methods themselves. These findings support the need for further research into the transferability of co-design tools with CALD communities, particularly if co-design is to become a best practice method for service design and improvement. This scoping review identified methodological and practical consideration for researchers looking to use co-design with CALD communities for mental health service design, re-design or quality improvement initiatives. Further research is required to explore experiences of co-design methods, including documented protocols such as experience-based co-design, with CALD communities. This review indicates that explanatory models of mental health, community and co-design impact partnerships with CALD communities, and need to be understood to optimise the quality of these relationships when using co-design methods.

How to … synthesise qualitative data

Methods of qualitative synthesis are an important component of the research toolbox. In this article, we introduce several ways to approach qualitative data synthesis and discuss how to choose between them. We use published examples throughout to illustrate how these methods are used to address research questions.

Effect of Exercise Interventions on Quality of Life in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Improving quality of life (QOL) is a key issue for patients with lung cancer. Exercise interventions could positively affect patients' QOL; however, there is no clear-cut understanding of the role of exercise in improving QOL in patients with lung cancer. The PubMed®, Embase®, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched from inception to September 6, 2019. 16 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. A qualitative synthesis method was used to identify the effect of exercise interventions on QOL in patients with lung cancer. This review indicates that exercise interventions may have beneficial effects on the QOL of patients with lung cancer. The effectiveness seems to be affected by the duration of the intervention, as well as exercise frequency, intensity, and adherence. Exercise interventions can be integrated into management plans for patients with lung cancer to improve their QOL. Healthcare providers should consider developing optimal exercise prescriptions to maximize the results for this population.

How visiting nurses detect symptoms of disease progression in patients with chronic heart failure

ABSTRACT Purpose: Chronic heart failure patients are often rehospitalized because they fail to seek appropriate, timely care. However, both patients and nurses experience difficulties in detecting signs of heart failure exacerbation. We aimed to qualitatively investigate how visiting nurses detect symptoms of disease progression in chronic heart failure patients in their homes. Methods: Participants were three experienced home-visit chronic heart failure nurses who completed one-to-one interviews. Data were analysed using the qualitative synthesis method (KJ method). Results: Six themes were identified that reflected detection of disease exacerbation and nursing support to prevent disease progression: difficulty of judging deterioration in patients with comorbidities; ascertaining conditions needing immediate intervention; detection of illness progression from changes in the patient’s appearance; inferring instability in physical condition from patients’ concerns and questions; arranging to ensure continued management of the patient post discharge; and instructing patients to ensure they never return to their old habits. Conclusions: The findings indicate that nurses experience challenges in detecting illness progression and judging when outpatient or hospital care is needed. However, nurses use a range of signs and symptoms to determine deterioration. Home-visit nurses thus play a crucial role in the post-hospital care of chronic heart failure patients.

Using Learning Communities to Support Adoption of Health Care Innovations

BackgroundDiffusion of innovations can be a slow process, posing a major challenge to quality improvement in health care. Learning communities can provide a rich, collaborative environment that supports the adoption of health care innovations and motivates organizational change. From 2014-2016, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Health Care Innovations Exchange established and supported three learning communities focused on adopting innovations in three high-priority areas: (1) advancing the practice of patient- and family-centered care in hospitals, (2) promoting medication therapy management for at-risk populations, and (3) reducing non-urgent emergency services. MethodsMembers of each learning community worked collaboratively in facilitated settings to adapt and implement strategies featured in the Health Care Innovations Exchange, receiving technical assistance from content experts. Project staff conducted a mixed methods evaluation of the initiative, both formative and summative. ResultsThe activities and outcomes of the three learning communities provided insights about how this approach can support local implementation efforts, and about factors influencing innovation adoption. Using a qualitative synthesis method, lessons were identified related to learning community startup (recruitment and goal setting), learning community operations (engagement, collaborative decision-making, and sustainability), and innovation implementation (changing care delivery processes and/or policies). ConclusionsFindings from this work indicate that the learning community model of group learning can serve as an effective method to support dissemination and implementation of innovations, and to achieve desired outcomes in local settings.

The degree of social difficulties experienced by cancer patients and their spouses

BackgroundAlthough recent studies have increasingly reported physical and psychological problems associated with cancer and its treatment, social problems of cancer patients and their families have not been sufficiently elucidated. The present study aimed to identify cancer-associated social problems from the perspectives of both patients and their spouses and to compare and analyze differences in their problems.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional internet-based study. Subjects were 259 patients who developed cancer within the previous five years and 259 patients’ spouses; the data were derived from two surveys in 2010 (patients) and 2016 (spouses) whose participants were not part of the same dyad but matched by propensity scores, estimated for age, sex, and the presence or absence of recurrence. We investigated the social difficulties of cancer patients and patients’ spouses. Regarding social difficulties experienced by cancer patients and spouses, the 60 patient survey items were categorized into 14 labels by the Jiro Kawakita (KJ) method, which is a qualitative synthesis method developed by Kawakita to classify categorical data.ResultsAlthough patients had higher scores on most subcategories, young spouses aged 39 or younger and female spouses had difficulty scores as high as the corresponding patients on many subcategories.ConclusionHealth care providers should show sufficient concern for both patients and their spouses, particularly young and female spouses.

Investigation of Specifics of Self-Management towards Dealing with Cancer Pain among Adult Outpatients

Purpose: This study aimed to identify specifics of self-management towards dealing with cancer pains among adult outpatients. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 adult outpatients (9 males and 7 females) who suffered from cancer pain and the data obtained were analyzed using the qualitative synthesis method of KJ Ho. Results: An analysis of the results revealed these key findings for the following symbolic wording of the semi-structured interviews: Cooperative relationship with medical professionals; Problems originating from cancer pain; Self-regulation of analgesic medications based on the interactions with medical professionals; Self-regulation of the analgesic medications based on the physical perceptions of the effects; Self-regulation to maintain a balanced and calm mind, Fulfilling life by the pain alleviation and liberation from the restrictions imposed by the cancer; and Efforts to maintain their lives by themselves. Conclusion: Based on the cooperative relationship established with medical professionals, the patient carried out the self-regulation of cancer pain using analgesics, and self-regulation to maintain a balanced and calm mind. Nurses must therefore sufficiently educate patients regarding how to communicate successfully with medical professionals in order to improve cancer patients’ pain management regarding both physical and mental aspects.

Experience of living with cancer and comorbid illness: protocol for a qualitative systematic review

IntroductionThere are an increasing number of people living with and beyond cancer, whose experience is further complicated by additional long-term health conditions in the context of an ageing population. The...