Adapting realist synthesis methodology: The case of workplace harassment interventions

Carr, Tracey; Quinlan, Elizabeth; Robertson, Susan; Gerrard, Angie

doi:10.1002/jrsm.1261

Cited by 10 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 29 publications

(45 reference statements)

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“…It could also reflect an inherent flexibility of approach to realist synthesis where standardization is likely to be both unlikely and undesirable. The flexibility of the realist approach when carrying out literature searches is illustrated in a worked example in this journal …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The “realist search”: A systematic scoping review of current practice and reporting

Booth

Briscoe

Wright

2019

Research Synthesis Methods

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The requirement for literature searches that identify studies for inclusion in systematic reviews should be systematic, explicit, and reproducible extends, at least by implication, to other types of literature review. However, realist reviews commonly require literature searches that challenge systematic reporting; searches are iterative and involve multiple search strategies and approaches. Notwithstanding these challenges, reporting of the "realist search" can be structured to be transparent and to facilitate identification of innovative retrieval practices. Our six-component search framework consolidates and extends the structure advanced by Pawson, one of the originators of realist review: formulating the question, conducting the background search, searching for program theory, searching for empirical studies, searching to refine program theory and identifying relevant mid-range theory, and documenting and reporting the search process. This study reviews reports of search methods in 34 realist reviews published within the calendar year of 2016. Data from all eligible reviews were extracted from the search framework. Realist search reports poorly differentiate between the different search components. Review teams often conduct a single "big bang" multipurpose search to fulfill multiple functions within the review. However, it is acknowledged that realist searches are likely to be iterative and responsive to emergent data. Overall, the search for empirical studies appears most comprehensive in conduct and reporting detail. In contrast, searches to identify and refine program theory are poorly conducted, if at all, and poorly reported. Use of this framework offers greater transparency in conduct and reporting while preserving flexibility and methodological innovation. K E Y W O R D S literature searches, realist synthesis, reporting standards Highlights What is already knownRealist syntheses are becoming increasingly prevalent but methods for searching ("realist searches") are poorly specified. What is newRealist searches require iterative methods that use different search approaches to support different components of the realist synthesis process.This audit of descriptions of search components from published realist syntheses for a single calendar year reveals examples of consensus on candidate approaches for retrieval and reporting as well as instances of genuine innovation. Potential impact for RSM readers outside the authors' fieldAs realist syntheses start to populate subject fields where the systematic review convention has not previously gained traction it will be helpful for researchers in those fields to be exposed to information retrieval methods that can offer a systematic approach to study identification. This paper offers a framework for planning, reporting and evaluating future realist searches from across multiple subject fields in an ongoing quest to improve standards of conduct and reporting. BOOTH ET AL. 15 "Realist Search"a preferred label that describes all procedures used to identify doc...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The “realist search”: A systematic scoping review of current practice and reporting

Booth

Briscoe

Wright

2019

Research Synthesis Methods

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Guided by CRE, the literature on workplace harassment interventions was collected, reviewed, and synthesized (Carr et al, 2017). In brief, the procedures involved retrieval and analysis of relevant articles by a team of nine senior and junior researchers over a period of 1 year.…”

Section: Methodology: Critical Realist Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Workplace Harassment Interventions and Labour Process Theory: A Critical Realist Synthesis of the Literature

Quinlan

Robertson

Carr

et al. 2019

Sociological Research Online

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Workplace harassment, from a labour process theoretic perspective, is a consequence of the convergence of several historical trends that affect the way work is organized under contemporary capitalism. On this view, interventions such as communication skills training, complaint procedures, and workplace policies have limited chance of eliminating harassment in the workplace. However, there is minimal research identifying, testing, and refining the theories accounting for how and why particular interventions work and under what circumstances. Our critical realist evaluation of the workplace harassment intervention literature responds to this gap. The mid-range theory of workplace harassment interventions presented in this article derives from the synthesized literature, augmented by Habermasian theory of social transformation to elaborate intervention mechanisms as lifeworld impulses. The provisional propositions of the mid-range theory are offered to inspire their empirical testing for the theory’s further refinement.

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“…Multiple reviewers were used to extract the evidence. 14,31 Each paper was reviewed independently by two researchers, then discussed between three reviewers (CBr, FH, CBu) to reach a consensus on whether papers should be accepted for the review. We applied a realist logic of analysis, which involved analysing sections of texts that related to contexts, mechanisms and / or outcomes.…”

Section: Data Extraction and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding what works, why and in what circumstances in hospice at home services for end-of-life care: Applying a realist logic of analysis to a systematically searched literature review

et al. 2019

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Background: We have undertaken a systematically searched literature review using a realist logic of analysis to help synthesise the diverse range of literature available on hospice at home services. Aim: To find out in the existing literature what features of hospice at home models work best, for whom and under what circumstances. Design: A realist logic of analysis was applied to synthesise the evidence focusing on mechanisms by which an intervention worked (or did not work). An initial programme theory was developed using the National Association for Hospice at Home standards, Normalisation Process Theory and through refinement using stakeholder engagement. Data sources: PubMed, Science Direct, AMED, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, Health Business Elite, HMIC, Medline, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, DARE, Google Scholar, NHS Evidence, NIHR CRN portfolio database, NIHR journal library of funded studies, including searches on websites of relevant professional bodies (August 2014, June 2017, June 2019). Results: Forty-nine papers were reviewed, of which 34 contributed evidence to at least one of the eight theory areas: marketing and referral, sustainable funding model, service responsiveness and availability, criteria for service admission, knowledge and skills of care providers, integration and coordination, anticipatory care, support directed at carers. Conclusions: Our literature review showed how it was possible to develop a coherent framework and test it against 34 published papers and abstracts. Central to this review was theory building, and as further evidence emerges, our programme theories can be refined and tested against any new empirical evidence.

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Adapting realist synthesis methodology: The case of workplace harassment interventions

Cited by 10 publications

References 29 publications

The “realist search”: A systematic scoping review of current practice and reporting

The “realist search”: A systematic scoping review of current practice and reporting

Workplace Harassment Interventions and Labour Process Theory: A Critical Realist Synthesis of the Literature

Understanding what works, why and in what circumstances in hospice at home services for end-of-life care: Applying a realist logic of analysis to a systematically searched literature review

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