Synthesizing Qualitative and Quantitative Health Evidence: A Guide to Methods. – by Pope, C., Mays, N., and Popay, J.

Abstract

"Every year a vast number of research studies and a myriad of other forms of 'evidence' are produced that have potential to inform policy and practice. Synthesis provides a way of bringing together diverse kinds of evidence to bridge the so called 'gap' between evidence and policy. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the range of approaches and methods available for synthesising qualitative and quantitative evidence and a detailed explanation of why this is important. It does this by: looking at the different types of review and examining the place of synthesis in reviews for policy and management decision making