Methods for systematic reviews are well developed for
trials, but not for non-experimental or qualitative research.
This paper describes the methods developed for reviewing
research on people’s perspectives and experiences
(‘‘views’’ studies) alongside trials within a series of reviews
on young people’s mental health, physical activity, and
healthy eating. Reports of views studies were difficult to
locate; could not easily be classified as ‘‘qualitative’’ or
‘‘quantitative’’; and often failed to meet seven basic
methodological reporting standards used in a newly
developed quality assessment tool. Synthesising views
studies required the adaptation of qualitative analysis
techniques. The benefits of bringing together views studies
in a systematic way included gaining a greater breadth of
perspectives and a deeper understanding of public health
issues from the point of view of those targeted by
interventions. A systematic approach also aided reflection
on study methods that may distort, misrepresent, or fail to
pick up people’s views. This methodology is likely to create
greater opportunities for people’s own perspectives and
experiences to inform policies to promote their health
