Demystifying Qualitative Research for Musculoskeletal Practitioners Part 1: What Is Qualitative Research and How Can It Help Practitioners Deliver Best-Practice Musculoskeletal Care?

Abstract

A progressive understanding of pain, disability, and health requires consideration of factors that may not easily be captured quantitatively. Qualitative research is a valuable tool to explore these “uncountable” phenomena and inform high-quality patient-centered care. Despite the utility of qualitative research in a musculoskeletal context, many practitioners are not familiar with qualitative terms and therefore may not reap the benefits of qualitative approaches. This editorial discusses what qualitative research is and how it can inform musculoskeletal clinical practice.