M W Mather1,2, D Hamilton2,3, S Robalino3,4, N Rousseau3. 1. Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. 2. Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. 3. Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. 4. Kaiser Permanente Research Affiliates Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To map the use of qualitative methods within otolaryngology, providing examples and identifying gaps in the literature. DESIGN: Systematic mapping review of journal-based literature from 1990 to 2015 using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CENTRAL. Included studies were categorised according to clinical subspecialty, research aims and qualitative approach. RESULTS: Of 4,061 identified articles, 388 were deemed relevant to qualitative research in ENT. The number of qualitative publications has risen markedly over the last 25 years (r = 0.802), particularly since 2010. The most commonly used method was semi-structured interviews 62.1% (241/388). Head and neck cancer (41.8% (162/388)) and otology (40.2% (156/388)) publish more qualitative research than rhinology (7.0% (27/388)) and laryngology (6.7% (26/388)). CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative research in otolaryngology has increased over time, but laryngology and rhinology remain under-represented. Most studies use interviews, underutilising the strengths of other qualitative methods. There is considerable scope for further application of qualitative methods in otolaryngology.
OBJECTIVE: To map the use of qualitative methods within otolaryngology, providing examples and identifying gaps in the literature. DESIGN: Systematic mapping review of journal-based literature from 1990 to 2015 using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CENTRAL. Included studies were categorised according to clinical subspecialty, research aims and qualitative approach. RESULTS: Of 4,061 identified articles, 388 were deemed relevant to qualitative research in ENT. The number of qualitative publications has risen markedly over the last 25 years (r = 0.802), particularly since 2010. The most commonly used method was semi-structured interviews 62.1% (241/388). Head and neck cancer (41.8% (162/388)) and otology (40.2% (156/388)) publish more qualitative research than rhinology (7.0% (27/388)) and laryngology (6.7% (26/388)). CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative research in otolaryngology has increased over time, but laryngology and rhinology remain under-represented. Most studies use interviews, underutilising the strengths of other qualitative methods. There is considerable scope for further application of qualitative methods in otolaryngology.