As practitioners dedicated to enhancing the outcomes for children, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest research methodologies. One such methodology is the use of qualitative methods in concept elicitation for developing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A recent systematic review titled A Systematic Review of the Use and Quality of Qualitative Methods in Concept Elicitation for Measures with Children and Young People provides valuable insights into this area. The review highlights the importance of qualitative methods and identifies gaps in the current research practices. Here, we will discuss key takeaways from this review and how you can implement these findings to improve your practice.
Why Qualitative Methods Matter
Qualitative methods are essential for understanding the perspectives of children and young people (CYP) in the development of PROMs. These methods help ensure that the items in the measures are relevant and sensitive to the target population. The review found that qualitative methods are underutilized and often poorly reported, making it difficult to assess the content validity of these measures.
Key Findings from the Review
The systematic review analyzed 37 studies and identified several key findings:
- Poor Reporting Quality: Many studies lacked detailed reporting on sampling, data analysis, and the research team, which are crucial for assessing content validity.
- Limited Use of Adapted Methods: Few studies adapted qualitative methods to be more suitable for CYP, potentially missing opportunities to engage them meaningfully.
- Focus on Adolescents: Most measures were developed for adolescents, with fewer studies focusing on younger children.
Implementing the Findings in Your Practice
To improve the outcomes for children, practitioners can implement the following strategies based on the review's findings:
- Enhance Reporting: Ensure detailed and transparent reporting of qualitative methods, including sampling strategies, data analysis, and researcher reflexivity.
- Adapt Methods for CYP: Use creative and participatory methods to engage children, especially younger ones, in the research process. Techniques such as drawing, role-playing, and using visual aids can be effective.
- Focus on Diverse Age Groups: Develop measures that cater to different age groups by including children from various developmental stages in the research.
Encouraging Further Research
While implementing these strategies can improve current practices, further research is needed to develop clear guidelines for qualitative methods in concept elicitation for CYP. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this research by documenting their methods and sharing their findings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Systematic Review of the Use and Quality of Qualitative Methods in Concept Elicitation for Measures with Children and Young People.
