"By using qualitative methods, researchers can gain a richer and more nuanced understanding"

Anna Schandl, why did you want to join Clinicum's counseling network?

I have used Clinicum's services myself and really appreciated the advice. However, I lacked specific guidance in research related to qualitative studies and patient-reported measures. With my experience in such research, I want to help others avoid the pitfalls and problems that I personally encountered. I believe my knowledge can be valuable to others facing similar challenges.

What do you do as an expert in qualitative studies?

Qualitative research is a method that aims to explore and understand the complex aspects of human experiences, behaviors and social phenomena. This research method often focuses on gaining a deeper insight into how people experience and interpret their world. Qualitative research questions are designed to describe and understand the subtle nuances of human experiences and interactions.

Common methods in qualitative research include interviews, focus groups, observations and analysis of texts and documents. Data collected are often analyzed by identifying themes, patterns and categories, providing a detailed picture of the phenomenon under study.

This type of research is especially valuable when it comes to exploring complex issues where quantitative data, such as numbers and statistics, may not tell the whole story. By using qualitative methods, researchers can gain a richer and more nuanced understanding of the phenomena being studied, for example how patients experience care and treatment.

What are some common questions you get?

Mainly questions related to the study design of qualitative research, but it is also possible to ask questions about design, management and analysis of self-reported measures, such as patient-reported outcomes.
Before conducting a qualitative study, it is always good to discuss how you plan to ensure trustworthiness and credibility in the research. It is also important to consider which methods are best suited for data collection and how these should be carried out effectively. It is also relevant to understand how data can be analyzed and which techniques can be used to identify themes and patterns in the material. Having a clear plan for these aspects can help make the research robust and credible.

How can I best prepare for a consultation with you?

In order for the consultation to be as fruitful as possible, it is important to clearly define what is to be achieved and to specify any questions or problems. It is also good to send some background information about the study, describing the problem, planned methods and analysis. This gives us the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with your research project and carefully consider how we can best answer your questions.