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Qualitative Research on Trauma Surgery: Getting Beyond the Numbers

  • World Progress in Surgery
  • Published:
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A World Progress in Surgery to this article was published on 10 June 2003

Abstract

Qualitative research methods have a unique role to play in surgical research, revealing important contextual details about the causes and impact of surgical illnesses and treatment. The utility of qualitative methods is illustrated through results of a research study of young, black male victims of interpersonal violence. Narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with 48 survivors of penetrating violence revealed the impact of these patients’ perceptions of post-injury care on their pain, the central role of fear of death in their injury experience, and the transforming role providers can play in addressing patient fears of death. The study provides support for the notion that qualitative methods can be a useful approach to understanding marginalized individuals who become our patients after injury. Furthermore, potential applications of multimethod approaches to surgical research (qualitative research methods in combination with quantitative methods) for the study of trainee experiences, patient satisfaction, and racial disparities are recommended.

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Acknowledgments.

The authors express their gratitude to Elliott Mishler, Ph.D., and Catherine Riessman, Ph.D., for their generous support and guidance in the conduct of this study. We also extend our thanks to Zoi Andalcio for his assistance with data management. This research was supported by grant K08 MH01339 from the National Institute of Mental Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA

    John A. Rich M.D., M.P.H.

  2. Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 91 E. Concord Street, Suite 200, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA

    Courtney M. Grey B.S.

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  1. John A. Rich M.D., M.P.H.
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  2. Courtney M. Grey B.S.
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Correspondence to John A. Rich M.D., M.P.H..

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Rich, J., Grey, C. Qualitative Research on Trauma Surgery: Getting Beyond the Numbers. World J. Surg. 27, 957–961 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-003-7099-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-003-7099-0

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