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 i n a systematic literature review that in the absence of randomized controll ed 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 revi ew 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.