Making Meaning Matter: an Editor's Perspective on Publishing Qualitative Research

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Education
• Qualitative Methodology

Background:

• Qualitative research, using non-numeric methods, explores lived experiences.
• Initially for social problems, it's used in health sciences since the 1960s.
• Recent use in health services research aims to improve care quality and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• Provide guidance for journal editors and reviewers on qualitative research submissions.
• Address challenges in publishing qualitative research, such as manuscript length and generalizability.
• Clarify criteria for evaluating the suitability and rigor of qualitative studies in health research.

Main Methods:

• Focuses on the 'why' and 'how' of research questions.
• Discusses challenges in qualitative research publication, including reviewer familiarity and sample size.
• Highlights the need for clear guidelines for qualitative and mixed methods research.

Main Results:

• Identifies common editor strategies and challenges in reviewing qualitative submissions.
• Examines specific sections of qualitative manuscripts (abstract, background, methods, results, discussion, conclusions).
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding journal suitability and the rationale for qualitative methods.

Conclusions:

• Offers practical advice for authors submitting qualitative research to health journals.
• Aims to improve the review process and acceptance of high-quality qualitative research.
• Contributes to establishing clearer standards for qualitative and mixed methods research in health sciences.