Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research: ENTREQ
Allison Tong, Kate Flemming, Elizabeth McInnes, Sandy Oliver, Jonathan C. Craig
BMC Medical Research Methodology
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The syntheses of multiple qualitative studies can pull together data across different contexts, generate new theoretical or conceptual models, identify research gaps, and provide evidence for the development, implementation and evaluation of health interventions. This study aims to develop a framework for reporting the synthesis of qualitative health research. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search for guidance and reviews relevant to the synthesis of qualitative research, methodology papers, and published syntheses of qualitative health research in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and relevant organisational websites to May 2011. Initial items were generated inductively from guides to synthesizing qualitative health research. The preliminary checklist was piloted against forty pu