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

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

3. Two 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 Methodology2011; 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, 19 21-31.

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).

17. Best Fit Framework Synthesis • Booth, A., & Carroll, C. (2015). Systematic searching for theory to inform systematic reviews: is it feasible? Is it desirable?. Health Information & Libraries Journal. (Early View) • Booth A and Carroll C (2015) How to build up the actionable knowledge base: the role of "best fit" framework synthesis for studies of improvement in healthcare. BMJ Quality & Safety (Forthcoming) • Carroll, C., Booth, A., Leaviss, J., & Rick, J. (2013). “Best fit” framework synthesis: refining the method. BMC medical research methodology, 13(1), 37. • Carroll, C., Booth, A., & Cooper, K. (2011). A worked example of "best fit" framework synthesis: A systematic review of views concerning the taking of some potential chemopreventive agents. BMC Medical Research Methodology,11(1), 1-9. • Carroll, C., Rick, J., Leaviss, J., Fishwick, D., & Booth, A. (2013). A qualitative evidence synthesis of employees’ views of workplace smoking reduction or cessation interventions. BMC public health, 13(1), 1095. • Dixon-Woods, M. (2011). Using framework-based synthesis for conducting reviews of qualitative studies. BMC medicine, 9(1), 39.