Article type
Abstract
Background
In 2022 we explored a visual alternative of storyboarding as synthesis in a qualitative evidence synthesis, which was published and disseminated (Hendricks et al, 2022). The method involves creating images of meaning from identified texts, connecting these images in storyboards, interpreting the emerging storylines, and iteratively refining and redrawing key ideas in a consolidated first-person narrative. To continue developing the method, we were interested to see what insights could be made using storyboarding as a synthesis compared with traditional thematic analysis.
Objectives
We aimed to conduct a blinded in duplicate synthesis using storyboarding and thematic analysis to identify and synthesize (1) barriers and facilitators of successful community engagement (CE) in infectious disease clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and (2) strategies for engaging community stakeholders in such trials.
Methods
We included primary studies using qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Screening and data extraction were done in duplicate and followed by critical appraisal. Two teams analyzed the included 26 papers in duplicate. One team conducted thematic analysis and the other used storyboarding without sharing the findings between teams. After completing our analysis, we convened as a combined group and compared our findings and insights.
Results
Using storyboarding, the central theme was the internal tensions experienced by individuals involved in CE. We found that there was corroboration between the images created and the thematic interpretation for the following themes: gaps in trial literacy, legacies of colonialism, inequality, and scientific exploitation, limited room for the local context, engaging local leaders and widening the scope of individuals who constitute the community, early and consistent engagement, incorporating the context in CE plans, and utilizing visual and audio aids. At least 1 theme that was highlighted using thematic analysis was least reflected in the drawings. Storyboarding allowed emergent themes to be presented in an integrated, personal manner.
Conclusions
Storyboarding offers valuable insights into a QES both as a standalone method and as an additional layer of analysis in QES. More experimentation and case studies are needed to innovate further in the visual methods of reviews.
In 2022 we explored a visual alternative of storyboarding as synthesis in a qualitative evidence synthesis, which was published and disseminated (Hendricks et al, 2022). The method involves creating images of meaning from identified texts, connecting these images in storyboards, interpreting the emerging storylines, and iteratively refining and redrawing key ideas in a consolidated first-person narrative. To continue developing the method, we were interested to see what insights could be made using storyboarding as a synthesis compared with traditional thematic analysis.
Objectives
We aimed to conduct a blinded in duplicate synthesis using storyboarding and thematic analysis to identify and synthesize (1) barriers and facilitators of successful community engagement (CE) in infectious disease clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and (2) strategies for engaging community stakeholders in such trials.
Methods
We included primary studies using qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Screening and data extraction were done in duplicate and followed by critical appraisal. Two teams analyzed the included 26 papers in duplicate. One team conducted thematic analysis and the other used storyboarding without sharing the findings between teams. After completing our analysis, we convened as a combined group and compared our findings and insights.
Results
Using storyboarding, the central theme was the internal tensions experienced by individuals involved in CE. We found that there was corroboration between the images created and the thematic interpretation for the following themes: gaps in trial literacy, legacies of colonialism, inequality, and scientific exploitation, limited room for the local context, engaging local leaders and widening the scope of individuals who constitute the community, early and consistent engagement, incorporating the context in CE plans, and utilizing visual and audio aids. At least 1 theme that was highlighted using thematic analysis was least reflected in the drawings. Storyboarding allowed emergent themes to be presented in an integrated, personal manner.
Conclusions
Storyboarding offers valuable insights into a QES both as a standalone method and as an additional layer of analysis in QES. More experimentation and case studies are needed to innovate further in the visual methods of reviews.