scholarly journals Experiences of loneliness: a study protocol for a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phoebe E. McKenna-Plumley ◽  
Jenny M. Groarke ◽  
Rhiannon N. Turner ◽  
Keming Yang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Qualitative Literature

Abstract Background Loneliness is a highly prevalent, harmful, and aversive experience which is fundamentally subjective: social isolation alone cannot account for loneliness, and people can experience loneliness even with ample social connections. A number of studies have qualitatively explored experiences of loneliness; however, the research lacks a comprehensive overview of these experiences. We present a protocol for a study that will, for the first time, systematically review and synthesise the qualitative literature on experiences of loneliness in people of all ages from the general, non-clinical population. The aim is to offer a fine-grained look at experiences of loneliness across the lifespan. Methods We will search multiple electronic databases from their inception onwards: PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, Sociological Abstracts, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, CINAHL, and the Education Resource Information Center. Sources of grey literature will also be searched. We will include empirical studies published in English including any qualitative study design (e.g. interview, focus group). Studies should focus on individuals from non-clinical populations of any age who describe experiences of loneliness. All citations, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened by one author with a second author ensuring consistency regarding inclusion. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Thematic synthesis will be used to synthesise this literature, and study quality will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. The planned review will be reported according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. Discussion The growing body of research on loneliness predictors, outcomes, and interventions must be grounded in an understanding of the lived experience of loneliness. This systematic review and thematic synthesis will clarify how loneliness is subjectively experienced across the lifespan in the general population. This will allow for a more holistic understanding of the lived experience of loneliness which can inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers working in this important area. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020178105.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary Communication in the Hospital Setting: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of the Qualitative Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i11-i12
Author(s):  
L Gleeson ◽  
G L O’Brien ◽  
D O’Mahony ◽  
S Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Qualitative Literature

Abstract Introduction Communication is widely recognised to play a key role in patient care. The US Institute of Medicine’s 2002 report, ‘Crossing the Quality Chasm’, stated that ‘effective methods of communication, both among caregivers and between caregivers and patients, are critical to providing high-quality care’.(1) Interdisciplinary communication (IDC) can be challenging due to differences in training, education and roles between healthcare professions. Due to the nature of IDC, the majority of research on this subject has been qualitative, exploring the views of healthcare professionals on IPC. To date, however, the qualitative evidence on IDC has not been synthesised in a systematic manner. Therefore, a systematic review of the qualitative literature on healthcare providers’ experiences of interprofessional communication was conducted and registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020177967). Aim The primary aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the qualitative evidence regarding healthcare providers’ perceptions of IDC in the hospital setting. A secondary aim was to identify the barriers and facilitators to IDC in the hospital setting. Methods Studies were eligible for inclusion in the review if they met the following criteria: 1) studies examining healthcare professionals’ experiences of IDC, 2) studies conducted in the hospital setting, and 3) studies conducted using qualitative research methods. Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Embase) were searched from inception until May 2020. Quality appraisal of the identified studies was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool for qualitative research. Data from the results sections of eligible studies were synthesised using thematic synthesis as described by Thomas and Harden.(2) Thematic synthesis consists of three stages: 1) line-by-line coding of all text relevant labelled ‘results’ or ‘findings’ in the included studies, 2) organisation of codes into descriptive themes that reflect the results of the included studies, and 3) development of descriptive themes into analytical themes that address the review question. Results Eighteen studies were identified as being eligible for inclusion in this review (Figure 1). Five descriptive themes emerged during thematic synthesis: 1) ‘Hierarchy’, 2) ‘Interprofessional Ethos’, 3) ‘Healthcare Environment’, 4) ‘Personal Factors’ and 5) ‘Methods of Communication’, which were developed into two analytical themes: ‘Barriers to IDC’ and ‘Facilitators to IDC’. Personal factors, such as strong interprofessional relationships, were found to facilitate IDC, while organisational factors, such as challenging and hierarchical working environments, were found to pose barriers to IPC. Conclusion We believe that this review makes a significant contribution to the literature. To our knowledge, it is the first study to synthesis the qualitative evidence on healthcare providers’ perceptions of IDC in hospitals. Maintaining an interprofessional ethos and building positive working relationships were identified as facilitators to IDC, while hierarchy and challenging working conditions were identified as barriers. A key finding is the significance that healthcare providers associate with personal aspects of IDC, such as mutual respect and understanding among healthcare professionals. Future research should involve the theory- and evidence-driven design of interventions to improve personal aspects of IDC, such as interprofessional education and engagement. References 1. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century - Institute of Medicine. Institute of Medicine. 2001. 2. Thomas J, Harden A. Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2008;8(45).

scholarly journals Perception of Gamblers: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Wöhr ◽  
Marius Wuketich
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
The Media ◽  
Social Scientific ◽  
Psychological Knowledge

AbstractIt is generally assumed that gamblers, and particularly people with gambling problems (PG), are affected by negative perception and stigmatisation. However, a systematic review of empirical studies investigating the perception of gamblers has not yet been carried out. This article therefore summarises empirical evidence on the perception of gamblers and provides directions for future research. A systematic literature review based on the relevant guidelines was carried out searching three databases. The databases Scopus, PubMed and BASE were used to cover social scientific knowledge, medical-psychological knowledge and grey literature. A total of 48 studies from 37 literature references was found. The perspective in these studies varies: Several studies focus on the perception of gamblers by the general population, by subpopulations (e. g. students or social workers), or by gamblers on themselves. The perspective on recreational gamblers is hardly an issue. A strong focus on persons with gambling problems is symptomatic of the gambling discourse. The analysis of the studies shows that gambling problems are thought to be rather concealable, whereas the negative effects on the concerned persons‘ lives are rated to be quite substantial. PG are described as “irresponsible” and “greedy” while they perceive themselves as “stupid” or “weak”. Only few examples of open discrimination are mentioned. Several studies however put emphasis on the stereotypical way in which PG are portrayed in the media, thus contributing to stigmatisation. Knowledge gaps include insights from longitudinal studies, the influence of respondents‘ age, culture and sex on their views, the relevance of the type of gambling a person is addicted to, and others. Further studies in these fields are needed.

scholarly journals Perceptions of risk in pregnancy with chronic disease: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254956
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R. Ralston ◽  
Priscilla Smith ◽  
Joseph Chilcot ◽  
Sergio A. Silverio ◽  
Kate Bramham
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Pregnancy Risk ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background Women with chronic disease are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancies which pose higher risk, often require increased medical supervision and intervention. How women perceive their pregnancy risk and its impact on health behaviour is poorly understood. The aim of this systematic review of qualitative literature is to evaluate risk perceptions of pregnancy in women with chronic disease. Methods Eleven electronic databases including grey literature were systematically searched for qualitative studies published in English which reported on pregnancy, risk perception and chronic disease. Full texts were reviewed by two researchers, independently. Quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative checklist and data were synthesised using a thematic synthesis approach. The analysis used all text under the findings or results section from each included paper as data. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Results Eight studies were included in the review. Three themes with sub-themes were constructed from the analysis including: Information Synthesis (Sub-themes: Risk to Self and Risk to Baby), Psychosocial Factors (Sub-themes: Emotional Response, Self-efficacy, Healthcare Relationship), and Impact on Behaviour (Sub-themes: Perceived Risk and Objective Risk). Themes fitted within an overarching concept of Balancing Act. The themes together inter-relate to understand how women with chronic disease perceive their risk in pregnancy. Conclusions Women’s pregnancy-related behaviour and engagement with healthcare services appear to be influenced by their perception of pregnancy risk. Women with chronic disease have risk perceptions which are highly individualised. Assessment and communication of women’s pregnancy risk should consider their own understanding and perception of risk. Different chronic diseases introduce diverse pregnancy risks and further research is needed to understand women’s risk perceptions in specific chronic diseases.

scholarly journals Exploring the lived experience of a high grade glioma

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv14-iv14
Author(s):  
Shivani Soni ◽  
Matthew Williamas ◽  
Antonia Lannie
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
High Grade Glioma ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Needs Assessments ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
James Lind Alliance ◽  
Common Problems

Abstract Introduction Brain tumour patients face a variety of challenges during diagnosis and treatment. Although most treating clinicians are familiar with these, it can be difficult to obtain a comprehensive overview of which are the most common problems, which patients they affect and how to address them. Methods We conducted a systematic review of all work relating to the lived experience of patients and carers of a glioblastoma. We identified articles published between 2008 and 2018 these had to be published in English, using the search terms cares and patients, lived experience, glioblastoma and perspective with relative alternative terms. We excluded articles that were previous systematic reviews, included low grade/brain metastasis from another primary site and articles that combined results for patients and carers. We extracted key theme and concerns, and summarised and tabulated and developed a discussion/recommendation. Results We identified 405 potential studies. We rejected 374 after screening abstract and titles, and a further 23 on further review. This left a set of 8 unique publications. The 8 publications included were comprised of qualitative studies that explored patient and carers experience at different points in the patient pathway. The main concerns/themes identified were issues around communication specifically the shock of diagnosis, re-negotiating relationships and finally accessing support. Conclusions This is the first systematic review that collates the lived experience of patients with high grade gliomas. It differs from the palliative care literature and from the James Lind Alliance, and is more specific than generic health needs assessments that are being used in practice.

scholarly journals Primary care physicians’ decision-making processes in the context of multimorbidity: protocol of a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e023832 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Silvério Rodrigues ◽  
Paulo Faria Sousa ◽  
Nuno Basílio ◽  
Ana Antunes ◽  
Maria da Luz Antunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

IntroductionGood patient outcomes correlate with the physicians’ capacity for good clinical judgement. Multimorbidity is common and it increases uncertainty and complexity in the clinical encounter. However, healthcare systems and medical education are centred on individual diseases. In consequence, recognition of the patient as the centre of the decision-making process becomes even more difficult. Research in clinical reasoning and medical decision in a real-world context is needed. The aim of the present review is to identify and synthesise available qualitative evidence on primary care physicians’ perspectives, views or experiences on decision-making with patients with multimorbidity.Methods and analysisThis will be a systematic review of qualitative research where PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase and Web of Science will be searched, supplemented with manual searches of reference lists of included studies. Qualitative studies published in Portuguese, Spanish and English language will be included, with no date limit. Studies will be eligible when they evaluate family physicians’ perspectives, opinions or perceptions on decision-making for patients with multimorbidity in primary care. The methodological quality of studies selected for retrieval will be assessed by two independent reviewers before inclusion in the review using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Thematic synthesis will be used to identify key categories and themes from the qualitative data. The Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach will be used to assess how much confidence to place in findings from the qualitative evidence synthesis.Ethics and disseminationThis review will use published data. No ethical issues are foreseen. The findings will be disseminated to the medical community via journal publication and conference presentation(s).PROSPERO registration numberID 91978.

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