Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Nursing, guideline, meta-ethnography, nursing, publication standards, qualitative evidence synthesis, qualitative research, reporting, research design, systematic review, QUALITATIVE METASYNTHESIS, IMPLEMENTATION, EXERCISE, Anthropology, Cultural, Biomedical Research, Guidelines as Topic, Humans, Qualitative Research, Research Design, Research Report, 1110 Nursing, 4204 Midwifery, 4205 Nursing

Abstract:

Impact Statement Evidence-based health and social care requires research syntheses. Meta-ethnography is one of the most commonly used, yet often poorly reported, methodologies for qualitative evidence synthesis which could contribute robust evidence for policy and practice. Using a rigorous, evidence-based methodology we developed the first, bespoke guidance to improve the completeness and clarity of meta-ethnography reporting. When used as intended the impact of the guidance, which advances the methodology, and its associated online training resources will: • Raise the quality of meta-ethnography reporting • Maximise the value and utility of meta-ethnography for informing intervention development and policy and practice decisions • Guide researchers and students undertaking and reporting meta-ethnographies and thus could improve meta-ethnography conduct. Ultimately, indirectly the guidance could help to enhance patient experiences and outcomes by facilitating the inclusion of qualitative research into the health-care evidence base.