'Just one interview': making visible the hidden workload associated with qualitative research.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric clinical trials
• Qualitative research methodology
• Health services research

Background:

• Accurate resource allocation is crucial for clinical trial recruitment success.
• Limited guidance exists on quantifying the workload for qualitative research components.
• Underestimating resource needs can jeopardize study timelines and targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare planned versus actual workloads in a qualitative sub-study.
• To identify discrepancies in resource estimation for qualitative research within a pediatric cardiac surgery trial.
• To inform future resource planning for similar research endeavors.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative sub-study involving semi-structured interviews with parents of children undergoing elective cardiac surgery.
• Workload audit comparing protocol-identified activities and anticipated participant contact points with documented research team time.
• Analysis of planned versus actual time spent on research activities.

Main Results:

• The existing systems failed to adequately anticipate or capture the workload for a seemingly simple qualitative sub-study.
• Discrepancies were observed between planned and actual time commitments for research staff.
• Even with a research-engaged patient group, the workload was underestimated.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant hidden workload associated with qualitative research that is not typically accounted for in current planning systems.
• Realistic project timelines, recruitment goals, and research staff funding require a better understanding of qualitative research demands.
• Implementing robust workload assessment is vital for the successful execution of qualitative research components in clinical trials.