Lessons learned from applying Sandelowski and Barroso’s approach for synthesising qualitative research

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of differing methods for synthesising qualitative research, Sandelowski and Barroso’s approach stands out because it is a stimulus to thinking and creativity. Yet, when applying the approach within our qualitative meta-summary and meta-synthesis project, we encountered some methodological challenges. Key aspects of the approach are outlined and juxtaposed with how we handled them in practical terms thereby entering into a methodological discussion based on the existing international research synthesis literature. For example, we encountered challenges pertaining to the researchers’ underlying epistemological assumptions, the composition of the research team, the construction of a feasible research question, the application of critical appraisal tools and the determination of an appropriate cut-off point for effect sizes to create a more parsimonious theory. From that reflective process, we draw out lessons learned for each aspect to provide neophyte researchers with valuable information that can increase the validity of future meta-syntheses projects.