Systematic Review of Nonrandom and Qualitative Research Literature: Exploring and Uncovering an Evidence Base for Health Visiting and Decision Making

This methods article reports on key problems and difficulties encountered in a systematic literature review that in the absence of randomized controlled trials drew on theoretical studies of decision making and practice-based research. The review process is discussed in relation to other approaches to reviewing and synthesizing qualitative research. A pilot systematic review protocol is the focus of this article. Clinical complexity in this study illustrates a need to integrate qualitative methods into systematic review and synthesis, regardless of the research designs under review.