Publication/Presentation Date

5-23-2018

Abstract

Background: Meta-analysis and meta-synthesis have been developed to synthesize results across published studies; however, they are still largely grounded in what is already published, missing the tacit 'between the lines' knowledge generated during many research projects that are not intrinsic to the main objectives of studies.

Objective: To develop a novel approach to expand and deepen meta-syntheses using researchers' experience, tacit knowledge and relevant unpublished materials.

Methods: We established new collaborations among primary health care researchers from different contexts based on common interests in reforming primary care service delivery and a diversity of perspectives. Over 2 years, the team met face-to-face and via tele- and video-conferences to employ the Collaborative Reflexive Deliberative Approach (CRDA) to discuss and reflect on published and unpublished results from participants' studies to identify new patterns and insights.

Results: CRDA focuses on uncovering critical insights, interpretations hidden within multiple research contexts. For the process to work, careful attention must be paid to ensure sufficient diversity among participants while also having people who are able to collaborate effectively. Ensuring there are enough studies for contextual variation also matters. It is necessary to balance rigorous facilitation techniques with the creation of safe space for diverse contributions.

Conclusions: The CRDA requires large commitments of investigator time, the expense of convening facilitated retreats, considerable coordination, and strong leadership. The process creates an environment where interactions among diverse participants can illuminate hidden information within the contexts of studies, effectively enhancing theory development and generating new research questions and strategies.

Volume

35

Issue

3

First Page

266

Last Page

275

ISSN

1460-2229

Comments

© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. For commercial re-use, please contact journals.permissions@oup.com

https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/doi/10.1093/fampra/cmx091/4562368#98597670

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

29069335

Department(s)

Department of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine Faculty, Department of Population Health

Document Type

Article

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