Synthesis of qualitative research and evidence-based nursing

Br J Nurs. 2007;16(10):616-20. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2007.16.10.23510.

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 randomised 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 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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthropology, Cultural
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / organization & administration*
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Knowledge
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic*
  • Models, Nursing
  • Models, Organizational
  • Nursing Methodology Research / organization & administration*
  • Nursing Theory
  • Qualitative Research*
  • Research Design
  • Review Literature as Topic