Critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research studies

The ability to critically appraise literature is an essential skill for clinicians adopting a population perspective. Conventions exist for reporting and evaluating the quality of quantitative and epidemiological research. The same traditions do not exist in qualitative research for a number of reasons including the number of theories under which this type of research can be conducted and the subsequent incompatibility of indicators of quality. This paper presents a 10-point checklist for assessing the quality of qualitative research in clinical epidemiological studies. We aim to provide a framework for critical appraisal as well as offer direction for qualitative researchers in designing and publishing their work.