Meta- synthesis is the synthesis of knowledge in research. It is the idea of bringing data that is quantitative to form and or interpret a new area of research. This can be seen to develop theories. Bowden (2022) explains it as having a deep understanding of concepts and assist in emerging techniques to compare and integrate findings in quantitative studies into the real world. There are approximately five steps that occur when completing a meta- synthesis: 1. Recognizing a topic and it focus 2. Selecting studies that are relevant 3. Reading the studies, analyzing, mapping relationships, and making connections specific to the quantitative data 4. Collection of quotes for illustration and lastly 5. Discussing the results with the ability to also report (Bowden, 2022).
Meta- analysis is the ability to test a hypothesis. It is a process of statistically gathering data. The information can provide the ability to establish significance. It provides the ability to provide a correct estimate and to what magnitude there will be an effect. They most often follow the PRISMA guidelines (Bowden, 2022). This tool continues to be used to validate studies and assist in finding new data. As learners it is important to acknowledge that this process can be poorly executed. If the studies are not summarized appropriately it can fail to provide essential information. The process can fail in considering covariates. Strength and precisions of the studies can be overestimated and contribute to an invalid meta- analysis. It is essential it is understood that coverage of information can be restricted this bias can occur and cannot be always excluded.
In clinical practice that is currently supported by this level of evidence screening for HIV in those over the age of 15 to 65. In 2016 there was approximately 1.8 million newly infected individuals, about 36.7 million had HIV and 14 million of those individuals are completely unaware and will not seek treatment and likely infect others (Mwachofi et al., 2021). Mwachofi et al (2021) hypothesized if screening in the emergency department cost effective. In a systematic review it was able to identify that this grade A clinical practice recommendation is cost effective and should be widely implemented.
Bowden, V. R. (2022). Types of Reviews — Part 2: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Synthesis…Part 2. Pediatric Nursing, 48(1), 43–49.
Mwachofi, A., Fadul, N. A., Dortche, C., & Collins, C. (2021). Cost-effectiveness of HIV screening in emergency departments: a systematic review. AIDS Care, 33(10), 1243–1254. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/09540121.2020.1817299
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