Table 1.

Guidelines and considerations for conducting and appraising qualitative research [see Ref. (33–35)].

Guidelines	Specific considerations
Relevance of research	Research question is relevant
	Aim is sufficiently focused and clearly stated
Appropriate method and design	Qualitative research method chosen is the best approach for the research question/aims
	Researchers acknowledge their personal background and experiences relevant to the phenomenon under investigation (i.e., reflexivity)
Data collection and sampling	Strategy for data collection is clearly stated and appropriate to the research question
	Theoretical: based on preconceived or emergent theory
	Purposive: diversity of opinion
	Volunteer: feasibility, hard to reach groups
	Justification for the approach is given
	Recruitment is conducted using appropriate methods
	Characteristics of the sample and setting are stated clearly and in sufficient detail
Data analysis	The type of analysis is appropriate for the study
	Principles and procedures for data analysis are fully described
	How categories and frameworks were identified is clearly stated
	Trustworthiness/rigor of the data and interpretation is established (e.g., triangulation)
Findings	Quotes are used appropriately and effectively to support findings
	Findings are relevant to the aims
Discussion	Findings are compared with appropriate theoretical and empirical references
	The design is scrutinized
	Limitations are considered
	Clear consequences of the study are proposed
Ethical issues	Approval from an appropriate ethics committee received
	Informed consent was sought and granted
	Participants anonymity and confidentiality ensured
Clarity	Well-written and accessible