Innovative Use of Rapid Qualitative Methods to Inform Neurological Services at the Department of Veterans Affairs

One of the major contributions of qualitative researchers working within the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VA) has been the development and implementation of rapid qualitative methods. Rapid qualitative methods incorporate the rigor of conventional qualitative methods but have been adapted to the fast-paced environment of a learning health system. Rapid qualitative methods allow a qualitative research team to gather data, synthesize findings, and present results for leadership within a tight timeframe, providing insights that can be used to guide program delivery and policy. This article describes three innovations to rapid qualitative methods using examples from two VA quality improvement projects conducted within a 6-month period. These innovations not only aid in the efficiency of rapid qualitative methods but also may help to inform health care innovations to aid in the translation of findings into practice.