Article

Qualitative metasynthesis is a method for systematically identifying, examining, comparing,
and interpreting findings from multiple published qualitative studies on specific topics. It has been argued
that qualitative metasynthesis may be useful for increasing the transferability of findings from single
qualitative studies to broader contexts, in part addressing the limitations of qualitative research regarding
its generalizability and thus its application to evidence-based practice.
Objectives: The aim of this paper is to provide an introduction to qualitative metasynthesis, to examine its
potential application to physical therapy, and to discuss and debate its strengths and limitations.
Major findings: Only one qualitative metasynthesis appears to have been published in physical therapy
journals to date, although many other qualitative metasyntheses potentially relevant to physical therapy (on
topics such as neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiac conditions) have been published in journals
intended for interprofessional audiences. Qualitative metasynthesis may be beneficial in terms of its
capacity to progress theory related to physical therapy, and as a way of introducing qualitative research
into public policy and development of clinical practice. Some challenges exist regarding aspects of
qualitative metasynthesis, such as the place of critical appraisal of qualitative studies and the
representativeness of findings from qualitative metasyntheses. These challenges continue to be
enthusiastically debated.
Conclusion: Uptake of qualitative metasynthesis in journals dedicated to physical therapy has been limited,
but physical therapists may find qualitative metasyntheses relevant to their work outside these professionspecific
forums. Qualitative metasynthesis may in the future play an important role in the development of
physical therapy practice.

Langue : ANGLAIS