Appraising the Evidence: Reviewing Disparate Data Systematically

TLDR

The study builds on methods developed during research on delivering care across professional boundaries. The authors aim to describe a systematic review method applicable to research from diverse paradigms. They conducted the review in distinct stages, developing specific methods for each stage, addressing challenges, and creating appraisal tools. They conclude that, despite difficulties in assessing qualitative research, the systematic review method can be adapted for different data types and across disciplines.

Abstract

The authors describe a method of systematically reviewing research from different paradigms. They draw on the methods adapted, developed, and designed during a study concerned with the delivery of care across professional boundaries. Informed by the established method of systematic review, the authors undertook the review in distinct stages. They describe the methods developed for each stage and outline the difficulties encountered, the solutions devised, and the appraisal tools developed. Although many of the problems encountered were related to the critical assessment of qualitative research, the authors argue that the method of systematic review can be adapted for use with different data and across disciplines.