An evaluation tool to assess the quality of qualitative research studies

Abstract

Critical appraisal of research studies forms a central role within the application and uptake of evidence‐based approaches within health and social care. While there are established checklists for evaluating quantitative research, this is not the case for qualitative research. This article outlines the process of developing an evaluative tool for qualitative studies, reflecting the uniqueness of the associated paradigm, and illustrates its use by reference to three qualitative research papers appraised within a systematic review of community‐based rehabilitation services. At its centre are concerns with the context of the study and the way the data are collected and analysed. Use of such an evaluative template opens the way for the quality of qualitative research to be judged in a systematic manner and for qualitative research to take its rightful place within debates over what works, where, when and how within health and social care policy and practice.

Notes

Mary Godfrey is Senior Research Fellow, Nuffield Institute for Health, University of Leeds, 71–75 Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9PL, UK.

Andrew F. Long is Professor and Director of the Health Care Practice R&D Unit, University of Salford, Statham Building, Statham Street, Salford M5 4WT, UK; tel: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e‐mail: [email protected]

Andrew F. Long is Professor and Director of the Health Care Practice R&D Unit, University of Salford, Statham Building, Statham Street, Salford M5 4WT, UK; tel: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e‐mail: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

ANDREW F. LONG

Mary Godfrey is Senior Research Fellow, Nuffield Institute for Health, University of Leeds, 71–75 Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9PL, UK. Andrew F. Long is Professor and Director of the Health Care Practice R&D Unit, University of Salford, Statham Building, Statham Street, Salford M5 4WT, UK; tel: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e‐mail: [email protected]