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Users' guide to the surgical literature: how to assess a qualitative study
Lucas Gallo1, , Jessica Murphy1
1From the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON (Gallo); the Division of Plastic surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON (Thoma, Murphy); the Division of Urology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON (Braga); the Dept of Surgery, McMaster University, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON (Braga, Farrokhyar, Thoma); and the Dept of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (Formerly Dept of CE&B), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON (Farrokhyar, Thoma).
Summary:
Qualitative research contributes to the medical literature through the observation, description and interpretation of theories about social interactions and individual experiences as they occur in their natural setting. This type of research has the potential to enhance the understanding of surgeons' and patients' preferences, attitudes and beliefs, as well as assess how these may change with time. To date, there is no widely accepted standard for the methodological assessment of qualitative research. Despite ongoing debate, this article seeks to familiarize surgeons with the basic techniques for the critical appraisal of qualitative studies in the surgical literature.