ABSTRACT
Nurse researchers have played a major role in the development and evolution of metasynthesis, a research approach entailing synthesizing findings of qualitative research studies (called “primary research”) in order to generate new understandings and to suggest new directions for practice, theory development, research methodology, and/or policy development (Doyle, 2003; Sandelowski & Barroso, 2003; Thorne, Jensen, Kearney, Noblit, & Sandelowski, 2004). An example of the contributions of metasynthesis to nursing knowledge is a metasynthesis by Taverner and colleagues (2011). These researchers conducted a metasynthesis of neuropathic pain caused by leg ulceration. Synthesizing the findings from numerous studies resulted in the identification of symptoms of neuropathic pain associated with leg ulceration that had not previously been identified. Taverner et al. postulate that if neuropathic pain were effectively addressed in cases of leg ulceration, it is likely that sequelae of leg ulceration, such as chronic pain, depression and insomnia, might be prevented. A metasynthesis conducted by nurse researchers of qualitative studies regarding breastfeeding support (Schmied Beake, Sheehan, McCourt, & Dykes, 2011) revealed policy and practice directions to improve the support of breastfeeding mothers, particularly in regard to systems and services that foster continuity of caregiver support.
