How to plan and report a qualitative study

Qualitative research describes a suite of techniques that deal with unstructured data that cannot be summarised numerically. It typically approaches problems from a constructivist approach (i.e. there are multiple ‘truths’ which are socially constructed and dependent on context), whilst quantitative research adopts positivist standpoint (i.e. there is a definitive ‘truth’ that can be observed). The research methods involved in qualitative research, often based on discussion or observation, can generate vast quantities of data, and these can be challenging to summarise in a way that fits with journal guidelines for authors and is accessible for the reader. Furthermore, the processes involved in qualitative research are heavily reliant on the researchers themselves ; researchers must, therefore, strike a balance between a rigorous application of methods and an acknowledgement of their own influence on the work. This open acceptance that the researcher is a fundamental part of the research is known as ‘reflexivity’ . As part of the ‘Reviewer Recommendations’ series, we draw on our experience of qualitative research in patient safety and peri-operative practice to suggest effective ways to conduct and report qualitative work. We begin by briefly outlining the types of questions that are commonly answered in qualitative research and the methods that are used to investigate them. We then focus on describing the key components of a qualitative report, consider the hallmarks of high-quality qualitative research, suggest methods for demonstrating rigour and emphasise the importance of maintaining a reflexive approach throughout.