What are the basic problems with meta-syntheses of qualitative ...

[Alygatorr01285]

What are the basic problems with meta-syntheses of qualitative research? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Qualitative research itself is a subjective interpretation; a meta-synthesis of qualitative research is a compiling of information generated subjectively.
  b. If individual studies have different methods, it may be difficult to find common ground and to devise a meaningful interpretation of the results.
  c. Qualitative research has no implications for practice, so performing a meta-synthesis is unjustifiable.
  d. In qualitative research, multiple valid interpretations may occur if different researchers examine the text.
  e. The recommendation for practice that results from meta-synthesis of qualitative research lacks statistics.
  f. The raw data are not available to the qualitative meta-synthesizer.

Question 2

Nursing practice has been said to have the potential to be increasingly evidence-based in the next ten years. What are the impediments to enacting EBP? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. A misunderstanding of what EBP is has resulted in mandates and policies; bedside nurses sense that their expertise is being overridden.
  b. Only about one-seventh of published nursing research is experimental or quasi-experimental.
  c. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in nursing are limited.
  d. Most hospitals do not have computer access to practice evidence.
  e. Population-based knowledge may or may not translate to the care of individual patients.

[Tonyam972]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, D, F
Meta-synthesis is defined as the systematic compiling and integration of qualitative study results to expand understanding and develop a unique interpretation of study findings in a selected area. The focus is on interpretation rather than the combining of study results as with quantitative research synthesis. Meta-synthesis involves the breaking down of findings from different studies to discover essential features, and then the combining of these ideas into a unique, transformed whole. Meta-summary is a step in conducting meta-synthesis. A process for conducting a meta-synthesis is described in the following section. The process of interpretation occurs in the mind of the reader. Corbin and Strauss describe interpretation as translating the words and actions of participants into meanings that readers and consumers can understand. The virtual text grows in size and complexity as the researcher reads and rereads the transcripts. Throughout the process of analysis, the virtual text develops and evolves. Although multiple valid interpretations may occur if different researchers examine the text, all findings must remain trustworthy to the data. This trustworthiness applies to the unspoken meanings emerging from the totality of the data, not just the written words of the text.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C, E
Barriers to the EBP movement have been both practical and conceptual. One of the most serious barriers is the lack of research evidence available regarding the effectiveness of many nursing interventions. Between 2000 and 2006, published research in major journals was only 7 experimental and 6 quasi-experimental; interventional studies are required for EBP. The systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted in nursing have been limited. Another concern of the EBP movement is that the development of evidence-based guidelines has led to a cookbook approach to health care. Health professionals are expected to follow these guidelines in their practice as developed. However, the definition of EBP describes it as the conscientious integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values and needs.