Qualitative research in systematic reviews

Integrating qualitative research with trials in systematic reviews.

Qualitative and mixed methods in systematic reviews.

Expanding the range of methods of systematic review The logic of systematic reviews is very simple. We use transparent rigorous approaches to undertake primary research, and so we should do the same in bringing together studies to describe what has been studied (a research map) or to integrate the findings of the different studies to answer a research question (a research synthesis). We should ...

Worldwide inequality in production of systematic reviews

Background: Investment in science is vital for the development and well-being of societies. This study aims to assess the scientific productivity of countries by quantifying their publication of systematic reviews taking the gross national income per capita (GNIPC) into account. Methods: Medline and ISI Web of Science were searched for systematic reviews published between 1st January 2006 an...

Including mixed methods research in systematic reviews: Examples from qualitative syntheses in TB and malaria control

BACKGROUND Health policy makers now have access to a greater number and variety of systematic reviews to inform different stages in the policy making process, including reviews of qualitative research. The inclusion of mixed methods studies in systematic reviews is increasing, but these studies pose particular challenges to methods of review. This article examines the quality of the reporting o...

Worked examples of alternative methods for the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research in systematic reviews

BACKGROUND The inclusion of qualitative studies in systematic reviews poses methodological challenges. This paper presents worked examples of two methods of data synthesis (textual narrative and thematic), used in relation to one review, with the aim of enabling researchers to consider the strength of different approaches. METHODS A systematic review of lay perspectives of infant size and gro...