Qualitative research in rehabilitation science: opportunities, challenges, and future directions

Abstract

Qualitative research is well established in rehabilitation and has an important place in the continued growth of this field. Ongoing development of qualitative researchers and methods are essential. Implications for Rehabilitation Qualitative research has the potential to improve rehabilitation practice by addressing some of the most pervasive concerns in the field such as practitioner-client interaction, the subjective and lived experience of disability, and clinical reasoning and decision making. This will serve to better inform those providing rehabilitation services thereby benefiting patients that are utilizing these services. Changes over time in how qualitative research is conceptualized, conducted, and utilized to advance rehabilitation science have resulted in a number of unique opportunities and challenges in using qualitative research that must be considered within this field. Advances in methodology and increased expectations for evaluation must be considered to ensure quality and credibility of qualitative rehabilitation research within rehabilitation. Improved quality and credibility may increase likelihood of research dissemination and use by clinicians intervening within the rehabilitation process in order to improve clinical practice. In order to maximize opportunities and mitigate challenges there are two principal future directions for rehabilitation scientists to consider: (1) advancing training in qualitative methods to adequately prepare future rehabilitation scientists and (2) engaging qualitative communities of research.

Treatment and re/habilitation of children with cerebral palsy in India: a scoping review

“…Epidemiological and qualitative studies are needed in these regions to assess the extent of CP and available resources, and to find solutions to increase mothers’ and children's QoL. Use of qualitative research in rehabilitation is well established and can help clinicians and researchers to explore issues relevant to children with CP and their families . We found 14 epidemiological studies conducted in different states by various clinics and hospitals.…”

“…Use of qualitative research in rehabilitation is well established and can help clinicians and researchers to explore issues relevant to children with CP and their families. 59 We found 14 epidemiological studies conducted in different states by various clinics and hospitals. With better communication and collaboration, these institutes could jointly collect and share data.…”

A qualitative exploration of post-acute stroke participants’ experiences of a multimodal intervention incorporating horseback riding

“…This qualitative study consisted of semi-structured interviews with participants selected from a 12-week multimodal intervention to allow in-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives. The study followed recommended guidelines for qualitative inquiry within the field of medicine and public health [ 28 , 31 ]. The reporting of the study has been done according to the COREQ criteria [ 32 ] ( S1 Table ).…”

Experiences from a multimodal rhythm and music-based rehabilitation program in late phase of stroke recovery – A qualitative study

“…Qualitative approaches can contribute to the evaluation of complex interventions [ 18 ] and have the potential to provide more in-depth information about phenomena under study. Qualitative methods may address some of the most pervasive concerns in rehabilitation research, such as practitioner-participant interaction, interaction between participant/environment/disease, and the subjective and lived experiences of participants [ 19 ]. Ultimately, this will serve to better inform those providing rehabilitation services, thereby benefiting the individuals who are utilizing such services.…”