Bridging the gap: enhancing orthopaedic outcomes through qualitative research integration

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical Research Methodology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Trauma and orthopaedics research traditionally prioritizes quantitative methods.
• Qualitative research offers unique insights into patient experiences and perceptions of care.
• Subjective patient narratives are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of patient-centered care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the prevalence of qualitative research within the orthopaedic literature.
• To assess the current landscape of qualitative research in top-tier trauma and orthopaedic journals.

Main Methods:

• A bibliometric search was conducted in March 2024.
• The search identified articles using qualitative methods in the top 12 trauma and orthopaedic journals (based on 2023 impact factor and SCImago rating).
• The search adhered to preliminary guidelines for bibliometric reviews (BIBLIO).

Main Results:

• Out of 7,201 reviewed papers, only 136 (0.1%) included qualitative methods.
• No significant differences in qualitative research prevalence were found across most journals.
• Bone & Joint Open was an exception, with 4% of its articles (21 studies) using qualitative methods.

Conclusions:

• There is a low publication rate of qualitative research in trauma and orthopaedic journals.
• Integrating qualitative research with quantitative approaches is essential for improving patient outcomes and experiences.
• Combining methods can address the personal aspects of patient care, aligning outcomes with patient values.