Text‐in‐context: a method for extracting findings in mixed‐methods mixed research synthesis studies

Abstract

Aim Our purpose in this paper is to propose a new method for extracting findings from research reports included in mixed-methods mixed research synthesis studies. Background International initiatives in the domains of systematic review and evidence synthesis have been focused on broadening the conceptualization of evidence, increased methodological inclusiveness and the production of evidence syntheses that will be accessible to and usable by a wider range of consumers. Initiatives in the general mixed-methods research field have been focused on developing truly integrative approaches to data analysis and interpretation. Data source The data extraction challenges described here were encountered and the method proposed for addressing these challenges was developed, in the first year of the ongoing (2011–2016) study: Mixed-Methods Synthesis of Research on Childhood Chronic Conditions and Family. Discussion To preserve the text-in-context of findings in research reports, we describe a method whereby findings are transformed into portable statements that anchor results to relevant information about sample, source of information, time, comparative reference point, magnitude and significance and study-specific conceptions of phenomena. Implications for nursing The data extraction method featured here was developed specifically to accommodate mixed-methods mixed research synthesis studies conducted in nursing and other health sciences, but reviewers might find it useful in other kinds of research synthesis studies. Conclusion This data extraction method itself constitutes a type of integration to preserve the methodological context of findings when statements are read individually and in comparison to each other.

Parent‐to‐Child Transition in Managing Cystic Fibrosis: A Research Synthesis

“…The analysis featured in this article included all reports addressing families with children with cystic fibrosis. This study entails the use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques to synthesize findings from reports of primary qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‐methods studies (Sandelowski, Voils, Crandell, & Leeman, ).…”

“…Standardized forms developed for the larger study were used to extract data from each report in the present study, including research purpose, theoretical framework, study design, demographics of index children and other family members, inclusion and exclusion criteria, recruitment methods, data collection methods and measures, and findings. To facilitate efforts to synthesize primary qualitative and quantitative study findings, we transformed findings into statements that anchored results to relevant information about the sample, source of information, time, comparative reference point, magnitude, and significance (Sandelowski, Leeman, Knafl, & Crandell, ). One member of the research team extracted data from each report and a second team member verified the accuracy of the extraction.…”

What happens for informal caregivers during transition to increased levels of care for the person with dementia? A systematic review protocol

“…Standardised tables will be used for quantitative data and will include the following headings: research question, study location, setting and topic, sample size, study duration and design, and results/findings. For qualitative data, tables will be developed based on the guidance of Evans and Pearson [25] and Sandelowski et al [26]. Data extraction tables will be piloted prior to proceeding.…”

Outcomes and Impact of Training and Development in Health Management and Leadership in Relation to Competence in Role: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review Protocol

“…5 Thus, qualitative and quantitative studies as well as the respective components of primary level mixed-methods studies will be analysed into two separate sets of syntheses. Where appropriate, quantitative and qualitative data will then be integrated into a single synthesis using Bayesian method.…”

“…Findings from quantitative and qualitative studies will be analysed separately (as previously described) using the segregated approach 5 and integrated into two separate sets of data. Results from the initial quantitative syntheses will then be converted into textual descriptions (qualitative themes) using Bayesian method as described by Crandell and colleagues.…”