Conducting a meta-ethnography of qualitative literature: Lessons learnt

Atkins, S., Lewin, S., Smith, Helen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6252-3793, Engel, M., Fretheim, A. and Volmink, J. (2008) 'Conducting a meta-ethnography of qualitative literature: Lessons learnt'. Bmc Medical Research Methodology, Vol 8.

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Abstract

Background: Qualitative synthesis has become more commonplace in recent years. Meta-ethnography is one of several methods for synthesising qualitative research and is being used increasingly within health care research. However, many aspects of the steps in the process remain ill-defined.
Discussion: We utilized the seven stages of the synthesis process to synthesise qualitative research on adherence to tuberculosis treatment. In this paper we discuss the methodological and practical challenges faced; of particular note are the methods used in our synthesis, the additional steps that we found useful in clarifying the process, and the key methodological challenges encountered in implementing the meta-ethnographic approach.
The challenges included shaping an appropriate question for the synthesis; identifying relevant studies; assessing the quality of the studies; and synthesising findings across a very large number of primary studies from different contexts and research traditions. We offer suggestions that may assist in undertaking meta-ethnographies in the future.
Summary: Meta-ethnography is a useful method for synthesising qualitative research and for developing models that interpret findings across multiple studies. Despite its growing use in health research, further research is needed to address the wide range of methodological and epistemological questions raised by the approach.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	tuberculosis treatment systematic reviews public-health experiences challenges adherence trials care
Subjects:	WF Respiratory System > Tuberculosis > WF 200 Tuberculosis (General) WA Public Health > WA 20.5 Research (General) WF Respiratory System > Tuberculosis > WF 205.1 General coverage
Faculty: Department:	Groups (2002 - 2012) > International Health Group
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-21
Depositing User:	Philomena Hinds
Date Deposited:	16 Jul 2010 10:41
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2018 13:00
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/724

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