Advancing child health through applied qualitative research

Area of Science:

• Child Health Research
• Qualitative Inquiry
• Paediatrics

Background:

• Child mortality has decreased, but children and young people (CYP) still face health threats like diseases and mental illness.
• Qualitative research is underutilized but crucial for understanding complex factors affecting CYP well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present expert recommendations for applied qualitative research in paediatrics.
• To advocate for integrating qualitative approaches to center CYP perspectives in research.
• To address challenges and propose best practices for credible qualitative research in child health.

Main Methods:

• Multidisciplinary expert symposium on applied qualitative research.
• Development of a value proposition for qualitative inquiry in child health.
• Discussion of challenges and formulation of recommendations for best practices.

Main Results:

• A value proposition for qualitative research in understanding social, economic, and environmental influences on CYP.
• Advocacy for centering CYP perspectives across the research continuum.
• Identification of challenges and proposed expert recommendations for quality and credibility.

Conclusions:

• Greater integration of qualitative research is essential for advancing child health outcomes.
• Best practices are needed to ensure the quality and credibility of qualitative approaches.
• Qualitative inquiry can lead to more inclusive, responsive, and effective child health interventions and policies.