Study Guide – Synthesis of qualitative research and evidence-based nursing

  Synthesis of qualitative research and evidence-based nursing, Kate Flemming , British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 16, Iss. 10 24 May 2007, pp 616 – 120

Abstract: Evidence-based nursing is central to nursing practice. Systematic reviews have played a key part in providing evidence for decision making in nursing. Traditionally, these have consisted of syntheses of randomized controlled trials. New approaches to combining research include the synthesis of qualitative research. This article discusses the development of research synthesis as a method for creating evidence for nursing practice. It focuses on how the new approach of synthesizing qualitative research may contribute to nursing and its evidence base by examining practical examples. It concludes that qualitative synthesis may contribute to: the development of nursing theory; providing context and meaning to evidence of effectiveness identified in quantitative research; more effective use of primary data; enhancing the generalizability of qualitative research; the identification of future nursing research topics.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk