Purpose: Recently, with the increasing demand for a evidence-based practice model in the health care area, qualitative meta-synthesis studies that provide a comprehensive understanding of phenomena of interest has increased. This study was conducted to understand the concept of qualitative meta-synthesis and guide the application of appropriate methods. Methods: This study is a literature review to address and analyze concepts and methods used in qualitative meta-synthesis studies. Results: The definition and purpose of qualitative meta-synthesis, philosophical background, procedures and outcomes are described. And the meta-ethnography, which is widely applied, was described. In addition, grounded theory, critical interactive synthesis, and meta-study were briefly introduced. It is also desirable to evaluate the quality of the primary research paper by utilizing evaluation criteria and evaluation tools to select the primary research paper, which also affects the quality of qualitative meta-synthetic studies. It is necessary for the researcher to recognize the epistemological difference in qualitative meta-synthesis, to consider saturation of the primary research paper, and to minimize the decontextualization of the primary research paper. Above all, the creative interpretation of researchers should provide expanded knowledge and insights into the research area. Conclusion: By clarifying the purpose of qualitative meta-synthesis, the researcher should ensure justification for performing qualitative meta-synthesis. Researchers also need to make efforts to ensure methodological transparency in order to overcoming the limitations of qualitative meta-synthesis.

서 론
    1. 연구의 필요성
    2. 연구목적
연구방법
연구결과
    1. 질적 메타합성 개념과 목적
    2. 질적 메타합성 방법별 특성 비교
    3. 메타합성 과정
    4. 일차연구 논문 질 평가와 메타합성 연구 질 평가
    5. 질적 메타합성과 관련된 제한점과 대안
    6. 연구수행 전 고려할 점
결론 및 제언
REFERENCES

• 손행미(울산대학교 간호학과) | Son Haeng-Mi (Department of Nursing, University of Ulsan) Corresponding author