"Switching Hats": Insights From Experienced Clinical Interviewers Turned Novice Research Interviewers

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Qualitative research methodology
• Health professional education

Background:

• Health professionals regularly conduct interviews as part of their clinical practice.
• Clinical interviews differ significantly from qualitative research interviews.
• Applying clinical interviewing skills directly to qualitative research may lead to inadequate data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share the experiences of novice qualitative researchers transitioning from clinical roles.
• To highlight the distinctions between clinical and qualitative research interviewing.
• To provide insights for clinicians developing qualitative interviewing skills.

Main Methods:

• A team of four occupational therapists with clinical experience but no prior qualitative research experience documented their learning process.
• Methods included self-directed reading, formal training, practice interviews, peer feedback, and reflection.
• Work-role transitions theory was used to navigate the adjustment to the new role.

Main Results:

• Clinicians must consciously differentiate between clinical and research interview approaches.
• Clinical instincts can influence research interviews, even on non-clinical topics.
• A structured learning process is crucial for developing qualitative interviewing competence.

Conclusions:

• Transitioning clinicians require specific training and reflective practice to conduct effective qualitative research interviews.
• Recognizing and managing the differences between clinical and research interviewing is essential for data quality.
• This article offers valuable guidance for experienced clinicians embarking on qualitative research.