Conducting a meta-ethnography

Citation

Garside R, France E & Noyes J (2023) Conducting a meta-ethnography. In: Noyes J & Harden A (eds.) Cochrane-Campbell Handbook for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. London: Cochrane. https://training.cochrane.org/cochrane-campbell-handbook-qualitative-evidence-synthesis

Abstract
Key points Meta ethnography is an explicitly theory building approach to the synthesis of qualitative evidence, with synthesis drawing on the interpretations, concepts or theory generated by authors of the included studies (known as ‘second order constructs’). Seven steps are described, with a synthesis process using translation of concepts between studies. The synthesis process is underpinned by Turner’s theory of social comparison. The original description of the method predates the emergence of qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) as a type of systematic review, and focuses on synthesis methods, but has been adapted for use in this context. Quality appraisal in the original account of the method was judged through a study’s value in the synthesis, although most reviewers applying the method also conduct a formal assessment of the methodological limitations of the primary studies and this is appropriate in Cochrane and Campbell reviews. Method specific reporting guidance is available (eMERGe).