How to Improve Knowledge Translation of Qualitative Research into Clinical Practice

Résumé

ABSTRACT

How can qualitative research findings become more influential as trustworthy evidence on which to base clinical practice decisions? Despite an increase in its visibility, the clinical implementation of qualitative findings remains negligible; instead, knowledge users continue to base their clinical decision making primarily on quantitative evidence (Goguen, Knight, & Tiberius, 2008; Shuval, Harker, Roudsari, Groce, Mills, Siddiqi, & Shachak, 2011; Sofaer, 2002).. The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the factors affecting the impact of qualitative findings in the clinical practice of both nursing and medical professionals. This topic is timely and significant because while qualitative research approaches are methodologically and philosophically valid, these approaches remain comparatively lacking in discourse around evidence-based practice and ensuing clinical decisions. These authors continue the academic discussion surrounding the struggle to better translate qualitative research into clinical settings. A brief introduction to qualitative research methods sets a background for endorsing its increased use in clinical practice. The unique contribution of this paper is that practical solutions are provided for incorporating qualitative research into clinical decision-making by healthcare professionals. These are offered to encourage both qualitative and quantitative researchers, clinicians in nursing and medicine, and all knowledge users to take up this problem; despite theoretical and ideological differences, we all have the ultimate goal of utilizing high quality evidence to provide the best care to our patients.

Keywords: Knowledge translation, qualitative research, nursing.