This June’s BJGP issue was on an area that intrigues us: qualitative research. We would like to share a humble tribute by appreciating Professor Chew-Graham’s editorial. 1 Indeed, qualitative methods resonate with our beliefs that these are tools to honour the human dimension in research.
We have paid respect to qualitative research in our own ways. Dr Al-Sakkaf developed a qualitative systematic review protocol for her final project in the Master of Family Medicine programme at the University of Edinburgh. She explored the experiences of Arab women affected by conflict while accessing health care. Dr Fearon, a UK-based GP and teaching fellow, utilised qualitative approaches while conducting his research projects in palliative care, including experiences of Arab women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.
Qualitative research aims to provide in-depth insight into participants’ perceptions by encouraging them to share their opinions openly, offering rich accounts of how they interpret and assign significance to their experiences. 2–4 Professor Chew-Graham highlighted how she learned through conducting interviews in one clinic. 1 To add nuance to the clear contrast she has drawn between GP work and research, we would like to highlight the similarities. Many GP encounters have much in common with qualitative research, and positions the GP as a clinical scholar. 5 In the consultation, most of the data are collected through observations and words spoken, knowledge is co-constructed rather than truth is discovered, and a joint understanding of the issues are generated in which perspectives are respected. 6
The curiosity and engagement of GPs naturally positions them as potential qualitative researchers, and more should be encouraged and supported to push their established skills in new avenues. As GPs are empathetic leaders, lifelong learners, and advocates of health for all, 7 learning about lived experiences of individuals aligns with those attributes. Additionally, qualitatively tackling a gap in research contributes to the generalist person-centred approach of family medicine. 8,9
References
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