Gibson BE & Martin DK. (2003). Qualitative research and evidence-based physiotherapy practice. Physiotherapy, 89(6), 350–358. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9406(05)60027-2
This paper discusses the potential contributions of qualitative research to evidence-based physiotherapy practice. Although qualitative research has been discussed previously in the physiotherapy literature, the relationship of qualitative inquiry to evidence-based practice has received little attention. We argue that qualitative research is a valuable source of clinical information that needs to be considered in formulations of best available evidence. If the aim of rehabilitation is to work collaboratively with patients to maximise their integration into the community, then we propose that the research agenda needs to address the lived experiences of patients within and outside the physiotherapy setting.We begin by briefly reviewing the goals of physiotherapy practice, the historical sources of physiotherapy knowledge and the recent adoption of the evidence-based practice philosophy. We then discuss the relationship of qualitative methods to evidence and argue that qualitative research is under-represented in physiotherapy. Next we review the potential contributions of qualitative approaches to evidencebased physiotherapy practice and recent debates regarding synthesis of qualitative studies.We conclude by calling for physiotherapists to collaborate in multi-disciplinary efforts to conduct, review, and disseminate high quality qualitative research.
Klem, N.-R., Shields, N., Smith, A., & Bunzli, S. (2022). Demystifying Qualitative Research for Musculoskeletal Practitioners Part 3: Phenomeno--what? Understanding What the Qualitative Researchers Have Done. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 52(1), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.10485
In part 3 of “Demystifying Qualitative Research for Musculoskeletal Practitioners,” we introduce the concept of “methodological approach” to encompass the plan of action that underpins the use of methods and desired outcomes, as well as the use of theory. Understanding the methodological approach in a qualitative study gives the reader a sense of what the qualitative researchers have “done,” while theory has varying uses and meanings depending on type of qualitative study. In this installment, we cover some of the common methodological approaches used in the musculoskeletal field and provide a discussion about the different ways in which theory can be considered and used in a qualitative study.
McPherson, K. M., & Kayes, N. M. (2012). Qualitative research: Its practical contribution to physiotherapy. Physical Therapy Reviews, 17(6), 382–389. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743288X12Y.0000000044
The paper presents a framework of four key areas where qualitative research has demonstrated its place in physiotherapy relevant research (and has potential to do so more): as standalone research; to inform quantitative studies in the future; to augment concurrent quantitative research; and to inform the use or development of outcome measures. Data, as well as studies in progress, are described to demonstrate not only what these methods can provide, but how they can be operationalized.