A 'Rapid Best-Fit' Model for Framework Synthesis: Using Research Objectives to Structure Analysis within a Rapid Review of Qualitative Evidence

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A 'Rapid Best-Fit' Model for Framework Synthesis: Using Research Objectives to Structure Analysis within a Rapid Review of Qualitative Evidence
Language: English
Authors: Shaw, Liz (ORCID 0000-0002-6092-5019), Nunns, Michael, Briscoe, Simon (ORCID 0000-0002-6982-4521), Anderson, Rob, Thompson Coon, Jo (ORCID 0000-0002-5161-0234)
Source: Research Synthesis Methods. May 2021 12(3):368-383.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Synthesis, Qualitative Research, Evidence, Literature Reviews, Models, Time
DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1462
ISSN: 1759-2879
Abstract: The short time frame associated with rapid reviews can be challenging for researchers conducting qualitative evidence synthesis. In these circumstances a Best-Fit Framework Synthesis, drawing upon existing theory and/or research, may be conducted to rapidly make sense of qualitative evidence. This article discusses a "Rapid Best-Fit" approach to conducting Framework Synthesis within an 6-week rapid systematic review of qualitative evidence. In the absence of a suitable theoretical model to inform the synthesis, we drew upon our research objectives to structure a framework, and to identify the studies which contained the most relevant data. Themes from these studies were used to revise the initial framework before inductive thematic synthesis finalized theme content. This "Rapid Best-Fit" approach yielded results aligned with the needs of the commissioners of the review and is a useful addition to qualitative synthesis methods, allowing for the incorporation of diverse views and experiences into fast-paced decision making scenarios.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: EJ1294260
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The short time frame associated with rapid reviews can be challenging for researchers conducting qualitative evidence synthesis. In these circumstances a Best-Fit Framework Synthesis, drawing upon existing theory and/or research, may be conducted to rapidly make sense of qualitative evidence. This article discusses a "Rapid Best-Fit" approach to conducting Framework Synthesis within an 6-week rapid systematic review of qualitative evidence. In the absence of a suitable theoretical model to inform the synthesis, we drew upon our research objectives to structure a framework, and to identify the studies which contained the most relevant data. Themes from these studies were used to revise the initial framework before inductive thematic synthesis finalized theme content. This "Rapid Best-Fit" approach yielded results aligned with the needs of the commissioners of the review and is a useful addition to qualitative synthesis methods, allowing for the incorporation of diverse views and experiences into fast-paced decision making scenarios.
ISSN:1759-2879
DOI:10.1002/jrsm.1462