Mirela Moldoveanu

Conducting Qualitative Metasynthesis Research: Insights from a Metasynthesis Project

The need to synthesize qualitative research in order to inform fields of study has been highlighted as a critical imperative in recent years. Since that time, there have been a number of attempts to identify methodological approaches to achieving such a goal. Despite some notable efforts in this regard, the metasynthesis research approach continues to be somewhat elusive with regard to its steps and procedures. The authors of this article describe their experience conducting a metasynthesis of qualitative research regarding transformation in chronic illness and disability. The particular emphasis of the article will be the practical strategies and procedures that assisted them in conducting the project in a rigorous and meaningful way. The authors emphasize the need for continued dialogue about strategies and procedures in metasynthesis that will aid researchers who are contemplating this complex research approach.

A model of the process of transformation in primary care for people living with chronic illnesses

Objectives: The objective of the research was to construct a conceptual framework that explains the process of personal transformation within a primary care context for people living with chronic illnesses. Methods: A literature search of articles published from 1990 to 2007 in CINAHL, ERIC, Healthstar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, dissertation abstracts and SocINFO databases, was conducted to identify qualitative research studies investigating personal change in chronic illness or disability. Five hundred and fifty-six articles were identified; the researchers conducted a metasynthesis of a subgroup of these articles whose focus was on transformation in primary care (n = 5). Results: The metasynthesis project presents a model of the conceptualizations of transformation. Transformation in chronic illness is presented as a process of learning about self and the chronic illness in an iterative and continually changing manner. The primary care context has its greatest influence on critical reflection, which occurs in the first phase (initial response). Discussion: This model illustrates the complex processes that occur for someone living with a chronic illness. Health practitioners who understand why and how people transform in living with chronic illnesses will be able to apply this model in determining people’s needs and how to assist people during the transformative process.