Qualitative Research in Medical Education: Challenges & Opportunities
Summary of the Research Methods
This research investigated medical academics’ perceptions and experiences with qualitative research. Here’s a breakdown of the methods used:
Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Participants: Medical academics. One potential participant (Psychiatry) declined due to work intensity, but all others agreed to be interviewed.
Data Collection:
Interviews: Conducted face-to-face or via Zoom by a male researcher.
Interview Guide: Questions were developed based on a literature review and piloted, and are detailed in Table 1.
Recording: Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.
Data analysis:
Thematic Analysis: Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase approach was used.
Theme Growth: Initially, six broad themes emerged, which were then consolidated into three overarching themes: (1) Perceptions and Knowledge about Qualitative Research, (2) Challenges and Barriers, and (3) Opportunities and Facilitators (visualized in Fig. 2).
Saturation: Data collection continued until no new themes emerged.
* Justification for Method: Structured interviews were chosen due to the limited time availability of the academics, while still allowing for rich data collection on pre-determined topics.