Biography
Biography: Emine Ergin
Abstract
Theoretical structure: This article uses a case study, examines the difficulties with planning meta-analysis studies, to clarify the processes involved in writing a meta analysis. The case study is about a phd student, Emine who is writing her doctoral thesis. Meta-analysis presents new understandings for revealing effect sizes of studies and developing new social policies. Meta-analyses, a part of systematic review, have difficulties in terms of planning and predicting for many researchers.Since meta-analysis planning requires serious effort, expertise and skill, various difficulties prevent researchers from engaging in this process. Especially in nursing science where the importance of evidence-based practices has increased, there is more need for meta-analyses, but practical difficulties have been experienced with them.
Which strategies should be followed: Identifying topic Emine. She is interested in research methods, home visits and elderly health. In the meta-analysis planning stage, the question whether a meta-analysis had been performed on the research topic during the past ten years was initially researched. Research question using the PICO formulation and then literature search was done with appropriate keywords. The systematic revision processes of meta-analysis are similar to those of the research process, and include identifying a problem, selecting a sample, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting data and presenting findings.
What challenges were experienced: It was determined that difficulties were experienced, especially with the issues of subjectiveness and quality evaluation of research report, and most importantly, in determining the conceptual framework of the study. Study characteristics, the risk of subjectiveness in studies included, the types of initiatives (interventions) and the methods used to evaluate their effects were examined. Sufficient randomized controlled work was not achieved in the field of nursing so all quantitative studies are included. She searched fund for the analysis program for meta (CMA).
How to deal with challenges: Emine went to two courses to improve proficiency in meta-analysis. Projected this work in order to get the CMA program to do the meta-analysis. She took international protocols into consideration during the writing and reporting process.
Suggestions: Planning with the use of criteria and tools such as and flow diagrams and PRISMA, suggested by Cochrane Colloboration,will make meta-analysis more convenient for researchers.