Informing Client-Centred Practice through Qualitative Inquiry: Evaluating the Quality of Qualitative Research

Abstract

Occupational therapists are increasingly embracing qualitative research methods yet little published advice exists in the occupational therapy literature to enable readers to gauge the quality and relevance of researchers' work. If qualitative research is to provide convincing evidence with which to inform theory and practice, it must be capable of withstanding critical scrutiny and practitioners must be given sufficient information with which to evaluate the strength and plausibility of the evidence reported. The process of undertaking qualitative research and of writing and critiquing subsequent reports is not about assessing adherence to rigid rules but of ensuring the appropriateness and thoroughness of data collection, analysis and reporting, given the nature and context of the issue. The espousal of a client-centred ethic also demands consideration of research relevance and usefulness to clients and the degree of consumer involvement throughout the research process. This paper examines an evaluative framework that may be used to assess the quality of qualitative evidence as this is both researched and reported. Recourse to a set of general strategies — used where appropriate – will serve to enhance the quality of qualitative research and assert its potential to inform the client-centred, evidence-based practice of occupational therapy.