1. Introducing QES Methods – the Basics: Thematic Synthesis & Framework Synthesis

2. Framework for systematic reviews of qualitative research (Garside, 2010)
Stage
Typical activities
Developing research question
Assemble team; Consult; Agree approach
Scoping exercise
Identify relevant research; Refine methods
Identifying relevant literature
Develop Inclusion/Exclusion criteria; Focused searches; Citation searches
Initial assessment of study reports
Preliminary reading; Identify theories; Assess utility/relevance
Analysis and synthesis
Reading & rereading study reports; Constant comparison; Assess validity
Preliminary synthesis
Categorising; tabulating; mindmaps; Explore relationships
Full synthesis
Thematic analysis; translation of findings; Theory development; rival explanations
Dissemination
Target audiences; Limitations of review
Throughout
Multiple viewpoints; Reflexivity; Audit trail; Ongoing consultation; revisit review purpose

3. Three QES Methods……..

5. Their Origins
Thematic Synthesis from Thematic Analysis – assignment of themes to qualitative data (e.g. from interviews)
Framework Synthesis from Framework Analysis – assignment of data from interviews etcetera to predefined domains of a framework

6. Thematic Synthesis Either performed using:
Line as Unit of Analysis – Line-by-Line Coding – Eppi-Centre Method – Uses Qualitative Software
Data Extract as Unit of Analysis – Assignment of Theme(s) – Uses Data Extraction themes for data extracts

7. Framework Synthesis

8. A Framework

9. How do you create a framework?
Develop own framework or themes or concepts for coding
Oliver S et al: A multidimensional conceptual framework for analysing public involvement in health services research. Health Expectations 2008, 11:72-84.
Brunton G, Oliver S, Oliver K, Lorenc T. A Synthesis of Research Addressing Children’s, Young People’s and Parents’ Views of Walking and Cycling for Transport London. London, EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London; 2006.
Identify or create a thematic framework or conceptual model
Carroll C, Booth A, Cooper K. A worked example of “best-fit” framework synthesis: A systematic review of views concerning the taking of potential chemopreventive agents, BMC Medical Research Methodology 2011; 11: 29

10. An existing conceptual framework
Conrad K, et al (1996). The worksite environment as a cue to smoking reduction. Research in Nursing & Health,

12. A Framework

13. Best Fit Framework Synthesis

14. Thematic synthesis
Framework synthesis

15. Why start with these methods?
Simplest methods of qualitative analysis
Many qualitative researchers already familiar with primary research counterparts
Do not preclude further analysis using more “advanced” methods e.g. thematic synthesis => meta-ethnography
Conservative choice that accommodates most degrees of richness/thickness of qualitative data

16. Challenges
Thematic Synthesis – Creating meaningful “labels” for the themes that emerge from the data. Establishing relationships between different themes
Framework synthesis – Not “squeezing” data into existing categories. Requires pre-definition of what categories mean (especially if taken from published framework).