Qualitative Research in Surgical Disciplines: Need and Scope

Abstract

There is a deficient application of qualitative research methods in surgical specialties. The concerned researchers largely focus on quantitative estimates like: health risk, burden, surgical management and objective outcomes. Without qualitative assessment important aspects like: patient’s preparation, perception, satisfaction, coping ability, well-being and functional outcomes are not addressed. In quantitative research, evaluation of pre-set variables is done to primarily study the process and outcomes of healthcare interventions. However, in qualitative research, patient’s experience, emotions, self-image, decision-making, pain perception, coping mechanism and quality of life (QoL) can be assessed. With time, surgeons are emphasizing more on the importance of functional recovery and QoL after surgery in multidisciplinary board discussions, and before making treatment decisions. Qualitative research employs purposive sampling and a meticulous data collection using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) etc. Collected data is analysed using statistical tools post transcription and coding and is suitably presented. Like other research designs, qualitative methods also have uniform criteria’s and standards for quality management. Adoption of qualitative research is critical in filling gaps of patient and surgeon’s perspective and experience of process of surgical care for clinical policy decisions. Integration of qualitative evidence in shared decision-making process will further improve standards and practice of surgical care and enhance doctor-patient relationship.