Abstract

Abstract A hand search of the original papers in seven medical journals over 5 years was conducted in order to identify those reporting qualitative research. A total of 210 papers were initially identified, of which 70 used qualitative methods of both data collection and analysis. These papers were evaluated by the researchers using a checklist which specified the criteria of good practice. Overall, 2% of the original papers published in the journals reported qualitative studies. Papers were more frequently positively assessed in terms of having clear aims, reporting research for which a qualitative approach was appropriate and describing their methods of data collection. Papers were less frequently positively assessed in relation to issues of data analysis such as validity, reliability and providing representative supporting evidence. It is concluded that the full potential of qualitative research has yet to be realized in the field of health care.

Keywords

MedicineQualitative researchHealth careNursingPsychologySociologyPolitical science

MeSH Terms

Data CollectionEvaluation Studies as TopicHealth Services ResearchHumansResearch Design

Affiliated Institutions

Related Publications

Publication Info

Year
1996
Type
review
Volume
2
Issue
3
Pages
171-179
Citations
111
Access
Closed

Social Impact

Social media, news, blog, policy document mentions

Citation Metrics

111
OpenAlex
4
Influential
63
CrossRef

Cite This

Mary Boulton, Ray Fitzpatrick, Clare Swinburn (1996). Qualitative research in health care: II. A structured review and evaluation of studies. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice , 2 (3) , 171-179. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2753.1996.tb00041.x

Identifiers

DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2753.1996.tb00041.x
PMID
9238586

Data Quality

Data completeness: 81%