Introduction

Qualitative research has a distinct place in medical health settings. It provides the ability to gain in-depth insights about patient experiences, provider experiences, patient-doctor interactions and relationships, systemic issues, and much more. There are a variety of phenomenon that can be explored using qualitative methods. The strength of using qualitative research methods in healthcare settings is that it provides a rich and probing examination of a situation through a human-centric approach. It aims to uncover the deeper meanings behind human experiences and behaviors. It allows us to gain insights into how and why things happen in healthcare spaces. There are many important aspects to considered when conducting qualitative research within medical health due to the sensitive and private nature of the field. The five best practices to consider when developing a qualitative research study within medical health are to develop a strong research question, conduct a strong literature review, proper data collection, rigorous data analysis, and reflexivity.

Five Best Practices

1. Develop a Strong Research Question – When developing qualitative research design, it is crucial to develop a strong research question. Research questions are often twofold, with one central question and related sub questions. Having the central question that is directed towards the phenomenon of interest and the sub questions that get at the context and objectives of the study help outline the study. Having a strong statement of purpose ensures that that focus of the study, the approach, and the direction and overall goal for the study are succinctly stated.

2. Conduct an Extensive Literature Review – An extensive review of the literature conducted during and after data collection and analysis is important to recognize what prior research says on the phenomenon and the possible issues that could and have arisen for other researchers. An extensive literature review helps contextualize the research study and assists when writing the background and discussion sections.

3. Data Collection – There are various methods of data collection that can be used when conducting qualitative research in medical health. It is critical that the method of data collection is appropriate for the participants and the nature of the research topic. Often, in-depth interviews are the most used method of data collection because they allow the researcher to get a detailed understanding of one’s life history, lived experiences, and views while examining sensitive topics. Participant observation is also widely used in healthcare settings to understand the natural behaviors for patients and practitioners within those settings.

4. Rigorous Data Analysis – Having a rigorous method for data analysis that is well thought out and defined prior to data collection is important in medical health qualitative research. There are many different forms of data analysis, and it is imperative to consider which method is the best fit for the data that will be collected and the research topic. The analytic framework must be outlined in detail to ensure that they are appropriate based on the qualitative research design being used.

5. Reflexivity – Reflexivity refers to the critical assessment of one’s own biases, identity, values, preferences, and preconceptions about the phenomenon being studied. This helps increase the credibility of the study and is important when doing research in healthcare settings as identity and biases play a huge role in the care that people receive, the willingness for people to speak to researchers, and the data that researchers might gather within medical health settings.[1] 

Conclusion

There are many important aspects to considered when conducting qualitative research within medical health due to the sensitive and private nature of the field. The five best practices to consider when developing a qualitative research study within medical health are to develop a strong research question, conduct a strong literature review, proper data collection, rigorous data analysis, and reflexivity. Reflexivity is critical when doing research in healthcare settings as identity and biases play a huge role in the care that people receive, the willingness for people to speak to researchers, and the data that researchers might gather within medical health settings. Having a strong statement of purpose ensures that that focus of the study, the approach, and the direction and overall goal for the study are succinctly stated. An extensive review of the literature conducted during and after data collection and analysis is important to recognize what prior research says on the phenomenon. It is critical that the method of data collection is appropriate for the participants and the nature of the research topic. There are many different forms of data analysis, and it is imperative to consider which method is the best fit for the data that will be collected and the research topic. These practices are just five of many that need to be considered when designing a qualitative study in medical health settings 

Take Away

This article explains 5 best practices for conducting qualitative research in medical health spaces. Qualitative research design in healthcare must be considerate of the sensitive and confidential nature of medical settings.

[1] Renjith, V., Yesodharan, R., Noronha, J. A., Ladd, E., & George, A. (2021). Qualitative methods in health care research. International journal of preventive medicine, 12(1), 20.