Use of a qualitative methodological scaffolding process to design robust interprofessional studies

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Research
• Qualitative Methodology
• Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC)

Background:

• Qualitative methodology is increasingly utilized in interprofessional collaboration (IPC) research.
• Qualitative studies offer deep insights into individual/group experiences, informing policy and interventions.
• Emerging phenomena can be studied qualitatively to guide future large-scale research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the application of a specific process for qualitative research design in IPC.
• To illustrate how this process facilitates iterative thinking and practical application in research.
• To suggest an additional step to enhance the described process for qualitative researchers.

Main Methods:

• The paper details a process for situating research questions within a theoretical framework.
• It outlines the application of this process to a specific research project.
• Decision-making points and iterative cycles of thinking and doing are shared.

Main Results:

• The application of the process encouraged iterative cycles of research design and execution.
• The described approach aids in selecting appropriate data collection methods.
• Researchers can be guided in creating well-designed qualitative study approaches.

Conclusions:

• A structured process, building on existing frameworks like Crotty (1998), enhances qualitative research design for IPC.
• This approach moves beyond descriptive studies to more theoretically grounded and methodologically robust research.
• The proposed process supports qualitative researchers in developing comprehensive and effective study designs.