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Evaluating the rigour and application of phenomenological studies in medical radiation science research: A

J L Ago¹, A Kilgour¹, C L Smith¹

¹Discipline of Medical Radiations, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.

Radiography (London, England : 1995)

|July 4, 2025

Abstract

Objectives:

This review evaluates the methodological rigour of phenomenological studies in medical radiation science (MRS). It examines the frequency and accuracy of phenomenological approaches and provides recommendations to enhance qualitative rigour in future research.

Key Findings:

A systematic search across three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL) identified 3065 studies, of which 308 met the selection criteria. The included studies were published between 2015 and 2025, with 69 (22.4 %) employing phenomenological designs. Descriptive phenomenology was used in 23.2 % of these studies, while interpretive phenomenology accounted for 52.2 %. Data were mostly collected through semi-structured interviews (78.3 %) or focus groups (15.9 %). However, 77.9 % of the studies did not clearly indicate their philosophical underpinnings, and 94.2 % did not follow established reporting guidelines. The sample sizes for phenomenological studies were generally smaller than non-phenomenological studies (U = 5686, p < 0.001), with a small to moderate effect size (Cliff's delta, δ = 0.31).

Conclusion:

Phenomenological research is crucial for understanding the lived experiences of MRS professionals/practitioners, patients, and other service users. However, this review highlights gaps in methodological rigour in some studies, including lack of clear philosophical foundation and adherence to reporting guidelines. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing the credibility and impact of phenomenological research in MRS.

Implications For Practice:

Researchers should (i) clearly communicate the philosophical underpinnings of their studies, (ii) adhere to established reporting guidelines to ensure transparency and rigour, and (iii) consider the appropriate use of data collection and analysis methods aligned with phenomenological principles. Reviewers and journal editors should encourage the use of supplementary materials to address word count limitations. This practice can help ensure that all relevant methodological details are transparently reported, enhancing the overall quality and reproducibility of qualitative research.

Keywords:

Lived experiences Medical radiation science Methodological rigour Phenomenological research Qualitative methodology

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