title: Qualitative meta-synthesis: a guide for the novice.
abstract: The emerging field of qualitative synthesis is an exciting area of research with the potential to influence policy and practice. It is also saturated with a variety of unresolved philosophical, terminological and methodological discussions which may seem daunting to the novice researcher This article by Kenneth Finlayson and Annie Dixon attempts to clarify some of the more controversial issues and, by providing a set of guidelines, hopes to encourage novices to enter this stimulating environment with confidence and understanding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery Studies, University of Central Lancashire, UK.
authors.forename: Kenneth W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Finlayson
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dixon
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D009626:Terminology as Topic