Qualitative research

Qualitative research includes a range of methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups) and methodologies that are used to elicit the values, beliefs and attitudes of participants.

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Key references and resources

General

An introduction to reading and appraising qualitative research – Kuper et al BMJ 2008;337:a288
JAMA Users’s Guides to the Medical Literature: Qualitative Research (Part A. Are the results of the study valid?) – Giacomini and Cook JAMA 2000;284:357-62
JAMA Users’ Guides to the Medical Literature: Qualitative Research (What are the results and how do they help me care for my patients?) – Giacomini and Cook JAMA 2000;284:478-82
NHMRC Chapter 3.1 Qualitative methods An overview of qualitative health research methods published in the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conducted in Human Research (Updated May 2015)
The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry – Thomas A. Schwandt (2015)

Appraisal

Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) Checklist for appraising qualitative research
Critically appraising qualitative research – Kuper et al BMJ 2008;337:a1035

Reporting guidelines

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups – Tong et al Int J Qual Health Care 2007;19:349-57
Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) – Tong et al BMC Med Res Methodol 2012;12:81