Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Qualitative evidence synthesis is an umbrella term for a wide range of approaches that occupational scientists and occupational therapists can use to draw together and synthesize the findings from multiple original qualitative studies. These approaches have the potential to increase the contribution of qualitative research to occupational science and occupational therapy. In this chapter the authors outline broad steps that are common to many qualitative evidence synthesis approaches and draw on examples to illustrate the opportunities these approaches present to qualitative researchers and stakeholders. The authors present a number of quality indicators to support researchers in reading and appraising qualitative evidence syntheses and sources of further reading for those interested in conducting a qualitative evidence synthesis.