Expert recommendations for the conduct and appraisal of qualitative research in oncology

Qualitative research is essential in addressing unresolved problems in oncology, yet high-yield strategies to bolster qualitative approaches in cancer research are scarce. To promote the unique strengths of qualitative research and increase uptake in the field of oncology, qualitative methods should show quality and credibility on par with quantitative methods. This Review presents recommendations for applied qualitative cancer research generated by multidisciplinary experts who were invited to attend the Symposium on Applied Qualitative Research, held on Nov 11-12, 2024, based on their contributions to the field. First, we describe the interplay between quantitative and qualitative methods and discuss how current research standards for qualitative data reporting are necessary but insufficient for establishing rigour. Second, we propose expert recommendations comprising five key pillars-engagement, flexibility, transparency, transferability, and impact-with actionable examples for application across the cancer research continuum. We advocate for use of these recommendations in the design, conduct, analysis, dissemination, and appraisal of qualitative research in oncology to advance outcomes.