Introduction
Qualitative research methods are commonly used in different studies to analyze human behaviors, decisions, processes, and other activities and experiences. In the healthcare sector, qualitative methods are highly recommended to explore healthcare needs, understand a variety of behavioral theories, and create interventions (Renjith et al., 2021). There are many forms of qualitative studies in health research, namely narrations, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case studies (Renjith et al., 2021). Each method has its benefits and shortages, but, in most cases, qualitative studies bring many advantages to healthcare performance improvement projects.
Qualitative Research Methods in Healthcare Performance Improvement Projects
Practical application of theoretical knowledge plays an important role in health care. First, healthcare providers and other employees obtain enough information, study the history of their profession, and analyze recent research findings to understand the essence of the field. Second, they make observations and learn from others’ experiences to strengthen their skills and develop new qualities. Finally, they need to take the first steps in the research field and check the credibility of assumptions. All these are critical elements of qualitative studies in healthcare to promote practical professional application.
The characteristics of qualitative methods are small sample sizes, open-ended processes, and subjective data. Some researchers could define them as the shortages or limitations of research, but, in health care, these aspects lead to certain positive outcomes. Qualitative research is based on collecting personal information, human experiences, and other non-quantitative data (Rolfe et al., 2018). When these variables are defined, explained, and analyzed, recommendations and ideas on mitigating risks, achieving desired outcomes, or improving the current state of affairs are offered (Rolfe et al., 2018). In most cases, this method is more affordable and easier to conduct because it is necessary to gather focus groups of any size (applicable for the study) and obtain the material directly from the participants.
The content of qualitative studies in healthcare is another significant advantage of this research method. Using the example of Rolfe et al. (2018), it is possible to use the material not from particular groups of people but whole communities and their lived experiences at different stages. Health care is not only about health, diseases, and employment. When it is necessary to improve performance, it is expected to analyze the environment, available resources, and stakeholders’ impact (Rolfe et al., 2018). The goal of qualitative methods is to explore the topic and get the reader prepared for interventions or models that contribute to a better understanding of human behaviors’ richness and complexity (Renjith et al., 2021). Therefore, researchers follow rigorous rules and regulations to introduce usable data with feedback and precise application of knowledge. Performance improvement is not just a simple collection of ideas but the evaluation of past knowledge that affects future achievements.
Conclusion
In general, improvements in healthcare performance are not always easy to demonstrate, and one of the possible solutions is to use qualitative methods and cooperate with stakeholders who could affect the process. Open-ended interviews, observations, and work in groups may create challenges, but the benefits of this research process are priceless for the healthcare sector. Employees exchange their experiences, share opinions, and integrate various interventions to succeed in different initiatives and policies. Researchers can rely on their biases or step aside from judgments to facilitate and strengthen their decision-making. Using qualitative methods in healthcare to perform improvement is a reasonable approach in today’s constantly changing world.
References
Renjith, V., Yesodharan, R., Noronha, J. A., Ladd, E., & George, A. (2021). Qualitative methods in health care research. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12. Web.
Rolfe, D. E., Ramsden, V. R., Banner, D., & Graham, I. D. (2018). Using qualitative health research methods to improve patient and public involvement and engagement in research. Research Involvement and Engagement, 4(1). Web.