Qualitative research: its practical contribution to physiotherapy

Abstract

Background: Qualitative methods have at times been typified as interesting but of little value to clinical practice. However, questions exist that quantitative methods simply cannot address and this is certainly true of physiotherapy. Why do some patients engage with physiotherapy and some not? Why do some therapists achieve better outcomes than others? Are we measuring outcomes that matter to our patients? Why do some patients do well and others not?

Objectives: This paper aimed to identify ways qualitative research can contribute practically to physiotherapy (and indeed other health professional practice).

Major findings: The paper presents a framework of four key areas where qualitative research has demonstrated its place in physiotherapy relevant research (and has potential to do so more): as standalone research; to inform quantitative studies in the future; to augment concurrent quantitative research; and to inform the use or development of outcome measures. Data, as well as studies in progress, are described to demonstrate not only what these methods can provide, but how they can be operationalized.

Conclusions: Any discipline dealing with complexity (as physiotherapy does in many contexts and many patient groups) is likely to find quantitative methods lacking at times. It should no longer be a debate around qualitative versus quantitative research but: what is the question that really matters and, what is the best way to address that question.

Keywords:

• Clinical questions
• Outcomes that matter
• Patient perspectives
• Qualitative aspects of measurement
• Qualitative research