Utility of qualitative metasynthesis: Advancing knowledge on the wellbeing and needs of siblings of children with mental health problems.

Abstract

Qualitative metasynthesis is an interpretive integration of primary qualitative research. It is a relatively new research methodology with questions remaining about utility, validity, and qualitative philosophical integrity. The aim of this article is to present an example of qualitative metasynthesis and to explore the utility, interpretive value, and clinical applications of metasynthesis in advancing our knowledge of the wellbeing and needs of siblings of children with mental health problems. An electronic search of publications from 1990 -2011 was conducted. Ten articles were included and analyzed using thematic synthesis and constant targeted comparison. Qualitative metasynthesis allowed novel interpretations beyond those found in primary research in terms of theoretical frameworks and clinical implications. In addition, qualitative metasynthesis produced findings greater in depth and consistency and with more direct clinical implications than primary research and quantitative reviews. Qualitative metasynthesis provides a pathway by which more conclusive, reliable, and generalizable findings are produced and interpretive power and clinical utility are increased. It represents a significant advancement in qualitative methodology with the potential to provide unique contributions to research, theory, and evidence-based practice.

Technology transfer in the construction industry

“…Researchers undertake qualitative meta-analyses to develop novel interpretations that may provide a more in-depth understanding of a topic than what can be surmised by reading the primary literature (e.g., Ma et al 2015). The main advantage of this methodology is that there is no need to analyse the entire body of literature, rather, when selected findings are contextualised appropriately, this approach can offer new insight into a topic (Schreiber et al 1997;Levitt 2018).…”

Perceptions of wellness recovery action plan (WRAP) training: a systematic review and metasynthesis

“…This critique is increasingly addressed through the use of the synthesis of related qualitative studies through a systematic approach to collecting, analysing and interpreting their results (Lachal et al, 2017). Metasynthesis is an interpretative process, which can provide new insights not found in primary studies (Ma et al, 2015). To the authors' knowledge, no metasynthesis of qualitative research into WRAP training has been published.…”

Examining the mental health of siblings of children with a mental disorder: A scoping review protocol

“…Given that family systems theory posits that the health of one member of a family can have an impact on the well-being of other family members [ 3 ], the siblings of children with mental disorders are at increased risk for mental disorders themselves [ 4 ]. Furthermore, as parents are required to invest significant time and resources to support their child with the mental disorder, they express concern about their capacity to devote attention to the health and development of the siblings [ 5 ]. Despite these concerns, evidence-based programs designed specifically to support the siblings of children with mental disorders are lacking.…”

“…Despite these concerns, evidence-based programs designed specifically to support the siblings of children with mental disorders are lacking. Without support, there is an increased risk that the needs of siblings will be left unrecognized and/or unmet [ 5 , 6 ]. Understanding the needs of siblings of children with mental disorders and the scope of potential existing resources directed at these siblings is needed to reduce the risk to siblings and benefit their family’s health.…”