Open AccessA Guide to Qualitative Research in Plastic Surgery
Author(s) -
Melissa J. Shauver,
Kevin C. Chung
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
plastic and reconstructive surgery/psef cd journals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.841
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1076-5751
pISSN - 0032-1052
DOI - 10.1097/prs.0b013e3181e60624
Subject(s) - qualitative research , specialty , qualitative property , qualitative analysis , psychology , patient satisfaction , medicine , management science , computer science , surgery , engineering , family medicine , sociology , social science , machine learning
Qualitative research can explore parts of the subjective patient experience that cannot be detailed with quantitative methods such as surveys. Unfortunately, this powerful methodology is underused in plastic surgery, a specialty where subjective outcomes are more important than traditional outcomes indicators. Qualitative research can be used to add depth to patient satisfaction questionnaires or other quantitative measures. Qualitative methodology can also be used to explore complex issues such as why patients choose to undergo cosmetic surgery or to detail patient experiences following reconstructive surgery. The authors explain the basics of qualitative research, including asking the appropriate research question, applying steps to collect data, data analysis, and practical applications of the results.