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A Guide to Writing a Qualitative Systematic Review Protocol to Enhance Evidence‐Based Practice in Nursing and Health Care
Author(s) -
Butler Ashleigh,
Hall Helen,
Copnell Beverley
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
worldviews on evidence‐based nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.052
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1741-6787
pISSN - 1545-102X
DOI - 10.1111/wvn.12134
Subject(s) - critical appraisal , protocol (science) , systematic review , data extraction , transparency (behavior) , qualitative research , management science , computer science , health care , nursing research , qualitative property , data science , process management , medicine , medline , nursing , alternative medicine , sociology , pathology , engineering , social science , computer security , economic growth , political science , law , economics , machine learning
Background The qualitative systematic review is a rapidly developing area of nursing research. In order to present trustworthy, high‐quality recommendations, such reviews should be based on a review protocol to minimize bias and enhance transparency and reproducibility. Although there are a number of resources available to guide researchers in developing a quantitative review protocol, very few resources exist for qualitative reviews. Aims To guide researchers through the process of developing a qualitative systematic review protocol, using an example review question. Methodology The key elements required in a systematic review protocol are discussed, with a focus on application to qualitative reviews: Development of a research question; formulation of key search terms and strategies; designing a multistage review process; critical appraisal of qualitative literature; development of data extraction techniques; and data synthesis. The paper highlights important considerations during the protocol development process, and uses a previously developed review question as a working example. Implications for Research This paper will assist novice researchers in developing a qualitative systematic review protocol. By providing a worked example of a protocol, the paper encourages the development of review protocols, enhancing the trustworthiness and value of the completed qualitative systematic review findings. Linking Evidence to Action Qualitative systematic reviews should be based on well planned, peer reviewed protocols to enhance the trustworthiness of results and thus their usefulness in clinical practice. Protocols should outline, in detail, the processes which will be used to undertake the review, including key search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the methods used for critical appraisal, data extraction and data analysis to facilitate transparency of the review process. Additionally, journals should encourage and support the publication of review protocols, and should require reference to a protocol prior to publication of the review results.