Protocol for a meta-integration: Investigating positive aspects of caregiving in dementia

Abstract

Introduction The current work describes the protocol for a meta-integration investigating the positive aspects of providing care to someone living with dementia. We aim to understand the position of positive aspects in the caregiver experience as well as identify how positive aspects are commonly conceptualised, investigated and measured in literature. Methods and analyses Meta-integration is a method of investigation that synthesises findings from meta-analysis or systematic review of quantitative studies and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies, to provide a coherent and holistic account of a phenomenon. As a relatively new method, terminology and methodological approaches are varied. The current work describes the process of conducting an advanced convergent meta-integration, including protocol for systematic search, inclusion/exclusion screening phases, intramethod analysis synthesis and intermethod synthesis on quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research pertaining to the positive aspects of providing care to someone living with dementia. Ethics and dissemination There are no ethics or safety concerns about dissemination, which includes plans for a conference presentation and publication.