Keywords

Digital library, HIV, Qualitative metasynthesis

 

Authors

  1. BARROSO, JULIE PhD, ANP, APRN, BC
  2. EDLIN, APRIL MS
  3. SANDELOWSKI, MARGARETE PhD, RN, FAAN
  4. LAMBE, CAMILLE RN, MSN, AOCN, NP

Abstract

This article describes the development of a digital library as a resource for clinicians and researchers working with women with HIV infection. We wanted to find a new way of communicating the findings from the 114 studies that we used as the method case. The development of the SandBar Digital Library (http://sonweb.unc.edu/sandbar), a product of a 5-year project to develop the analytic techniques for qualitative metasynthesis, is described from its inception, including analyses of the potential users and how they might use such a resource. The Digital Library evolved over a 3-year period, with continuous feedback from a group of researchers and clinicians who are also experts in the care of HIV-positive people. It provides a concise and comprehensive compilation of findings in two major areas of concern for the seropositive women who were the participants in the studies: motherhood and stigma.