3.3 JBI’s approach to qualitative evidence synthesis

The JBI meta-aggregative approach is underpinned by a pluralistic and inclusive definition of evidence. This means the approach is inclusive of all types of qualitative research regardless of philosophical perspective, methodology or methods. It does not limit the synthesis to a single methodological perspective but rather integrates diverse approaches. Grounded in the philosophical principles of pragmatism and transcendental phenomenology (described in more detail later in this section), meta-aggregation is both the formal name of the methodological approach and the method of analysis used to conduct an evidence synthesis of qualitative research; it is also at times referred as the output of the synthesis approach. The purpose of meta-aggregation is to synthesise all relevant qualitative evidence to establish a comprehensive, in-depth description of a phenomenon to create new, actionable knowledge for evidence-based healthcare.

As a methodological approach to qualitative evidence synthesis, meta-aggregation provides a systematic and structured framework, underpinned by a set of guiding principles that inform how the synthesis will be undertaken. This involves how to frame a question, search for and select relevant studies, extract and categorise data (findings) and aggregate data to develop synthesised findings. This framework provides a blueprint for how meta-aggregation should be conducted to ensure that the process is rigorous and transparent and that the results are trustworthy.

As a method of analysis, meta-aggregation seeks to synthesise the findings of any type of qualitative research related to the phenomenon of interest. It focuses on identifying commonalities, differences and patterns across the studies, followed by an interpretation of the data that remains loyal to the original meaning established by the researchers who collected and analysed the data. Primary study findings are analysed into categories and further developed into synthesised findings that answer the research question and generate meaningful insights and recommendations to inform practice.