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What can qualitative research do for randomised controlled trials? A systematic mapping review.
A O'Cathain1, K J Thomas, S J Drabble
1Medical Care Research Unit , School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
BMJ Open
|June 25, 2013
Summary
Qualitative research addresses many aspects of randomized controlled trials, particularly interventions. More pretrial qualitative research can enhance trial impact and evidence-based practice.
Area of Science:
- Health Research Methodology
- Qualitative Research in Clinical Trials
Background:
- Qualitative research offers insights into various facets of health interventions and clinical trials.
- Understanding the scope and impact of this research is crucial for improving evidence generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a framework detailing the aspects of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined by qualitative research.
- To map the landscape of qualitative studies conducted alongside RCTs.
Main Methods:
- A systematic mapping review of qualitative research associated with RCTs.
- Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, etc.) for peer-reviewed articles published between 2008 and September 2010.
Main Results:
- 296 articles were included, focusing on 22 trial aspects across five categories.
- Qualitative research predominantly addressed interventions (71%), trial conduct (15%), and target conditions (9%).
- A minority of research occurred pre-trial (28%), and its value to the trial was often implicit.
Conclusions:
- Published qualitative research extensively covers trial aspects, with potential to improve health intervention evidence generation.
- Increasing pre-trial qualitative research and explicitly stating its value can enhance impact on trials and evidence-based practice.
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