Qualitative research methodologies in emergency medicine

Qualitative research methodologies, though often used in other fields and in medical educational investigations. have not been used to study problems in emergency medicine (EM). These methodologies address qualitative data and provide a process of describing, interpreting, and explaining the dynamics of a population or phenomenon. The stages of a qualitative investigation include initial narrative description, interpretation, theory development, assessment of generalization, and evaluation. Important differences between this framework and those of quantitative research methods are described. These methods may be applied to systematic investigation of virtually any observable phenomenon or process in EM in which a better understanding of process would be valuable, such as patient flow, patient satisfaction issues, patient turnover and sign-out processes, bedside teaching, EM teamwork dynamics, and development of the career interests of students and residents. As with quantitative research, EM academicians should seek collaboration and appropriate training with guidance by established qualitative investigators when applying these methods.