The qualitative interview and challenges for clinicians undertaking research: a personal reflection

Area of Science:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Professional Development in Healthcare
• Doctoral Research

Background:

• Many practitioners aspire to conduct research but face challenges transitioning to a researcher role.
• Qualitative in-depth interviews are a common method for exploring complex experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the personal transition from practitioner to novice researcher.
• To identify and analyze the challenges encountered during qualitative in-depth interviews.
• To offer practical guidance for practitioners undertaking research in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative research approach was employed, drawing on doctoral experience.
• A research diary was systematically coded for words, sentences, and paragraphs.
• Data were thematically analyzed and organized into concepts and categories.

Main Results:

• The core category identified was 'changing states: learning to become a researcher'.
• Related categories included 'guessing responses', 'confusing boundaries', and 'revealing hidden concepts'.
• These findings illustrate the learning curve and transformation involved in novice researcher development.

Conclusions:

• The transition to a researcher role involves significant learning and personal change.
• Understanding challenges like 'guessing responses' and 'confusing boundaries' is crucial for novice qualitative researchers.
• The study provides valuable insights and practical tips for practitioners engaging in clinical research.