[Qualitative Systematic Review Research Method: A Meta-Ethnographic Synthesis].

Abstract

In this paper, meta-ethnographic synthesis is introduced as a qualitative systematic review method to provide researchers with a comprehensive theoretical foundation of this method and an understanding of its analytical steps. Grounded in interpretivism, this method incorporates Geertz's concept of "thick description" and Turner's concept of "translation" and emphasizes the exploration of meaning within cultural contexts. By continuously comparing and synthesizing similar and divergent concepts and metaphors across multiple qualitative studies, this approach highlights the cultural context and interpretive significance of integrated phenomena, thereby constructing higher-order interpretive frameworks. Moreover, comprehensive explanations are given of the seven phases proposed by Noblit and Hare (1988), i.e., getting started, determining relevant content for the initial inquiry, reading the studies, establishing how the studies are related, translating the studies into each other, synthesizing the translations, and presenting the final synthesis. Furthermore, potential applications of meta-ethnographic synthesis in the field of healthcare are described, including synthesizing multicultural caregiving experiences to elucidate the lived worlds of patients and caregivers. Meta-ethnographic synthesis not only fosters deeper cultural insights but also provides concrete qualitative evidence to inform policy-making and facilitates the translation and exchange of knowledge between academia and clinical practice. The insights provided in this paper highlight that meta-ethnographic synthesis, through its comparison and interpretation, offers unique insights into human experience and cultural diversity, enriching qualitative research with new perspectives and theoretical contributions.