Qualitative Methods to Advance Care, Diagnosis, and Therapy in Rheumatic Diseases

Lesley Ann Saketkoo; John D Pauling

doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2018.01.004

Qualitative Methods to Advance Care, Diagnosis, and Therapy in Rheumatic Diseases

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2018 May;44(2):267-284. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2018.01.004. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

Authors

Lesley Ann Saketkoo¹, John D Pauling²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care, Tulane University School of Medicine, Lung Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; New Orleans Scleroderma and Sarcoidosis Patient Care and Research Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; University Medical Center, Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospitals, Upper Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1RL, UK; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA11RL, UK.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the basis, usefulness, and validity of qualitative methods in research. It is aimed to enhance the understanding of a broad spectrum of readers, ranging from those mystified by such approaches, to those wanting a better critical knowledge to apply to literature review, and for health care providers considering developing an interest in the field. Qualitative research is crucial in augmentation of disease knowledge as well as the development of incremental care strategies and operational aspects of care that improves health outcomes.

Keywords: Coding; Conceptual framework; Ethnography; Focus group; Interview; Patient perspective; Phenomenology; Qualitative.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Patient Care
Qualitative Research*
Rheumatic Diseases* / diagnosis
Rheumatic Diseases* / therapy

Grants and funding

U10 HL080510/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States