Review of Qualitative Research Methods in Health Information System Studies

The aim of this study was to review hospital-based health information system (HIS) studies that used qualitative research methods and evaluate their methodological contexts and implications. In addition, we propose practical guidelines for HIS researchers who plan to use qualitative research methods.

We collected papers published from 2012 to 2022 by searching the PubMed and CINAHL databases. As search keywords, we used specific system terms related to HISs, such as "electronic medical records" and "clinical decision support systems," linked with their operational terms, such as "implementation" and "adaptation," and qualitative methodological terms such as "observation" and "in-depth interview." We finally selected 74 studies that met this review's inclusion criteria and conducted an analytical review of the selected studies.

We analyzed the selected articles according to the following four points: the general characteristics of the selected articles; research design; participant sampling, identification, and recruitment; and data collection, processing, and analysis. This review found methodologically problematic issues regarding researchers' reflections, participant sampling methods and research accessibility, and data management.

Reports on the qualitative research process should include descriptions of researchers' reflections and ethical considerations, which are meaningful for strengthening the rigor and credibility of qualitative research. Based on these discussions, we suggest guidance for conducting ethical, feasible, and reliable qualitative research on HISs in hospital settings.