Background: Statistical approaches to synthesising quantitative evidence are well developed; however these techniques are not always appropriate, either because the quantitative data are not adequate or because the findings to be synthesised are both quantitative and qualitative. Where meta-analysis is considered inappropriate, narrative or qualitative synthesis is usually recommended. Narrative synthesis may also be appropriate for other reasons (ie it is not only a recourse for when meta-analysis cannot be carried out). Narrative synthesis, we believe, is more likely to result in reports which are more accessible to those who might use the findings.

Objectives: This presentation will report on methodological work in progress and provide an overview of the kinds of tools and techniques that are available in the literature to guide the narrative synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data.

Methods: The work to date involved identifying, selecting and appraising i) methodological texts about reviewing and ii) systematic reviews where narrative synthesis has been used. The aim of this stage of the project is to gather information about the process of narrative synthesis.

Results: A range of tools and techniques that have been used in narrative synthesis has been identified. We will present an overview of these tools and techniques and discuss their potential for those undertaking narrative synthesis in the context of systematic reviews.

Conclusions: There is increasing demand for reliable research evidence to inform public policies and professional practice. Guidance which enables the production of sound narrative synthesis is likely to contribute to this enterprise.
Acknowledgements: This research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC, U.K.) Methods Research Programme.