Qualitative research methods in otorhinolaryngology

Objective: Qualitative research methods explore the character and meaning o f human phenomena. The methodology is unfamiliar to most clinicians, not on ly because of the different techniques and the type of studied issues, but also because of important differences regarding terminology and criteria fo r evaluating qualitative studies. This paper aims at discussing the potenti al contribution of qualitative methods to otorhinolaryngological research i n general, and to describe a specific method with an otologic application i n detail. Method: In order to explore different disturbing sound phenomena and coping strategies in patients with manifest tympanic membrane retractio ns, individual semi-structured interviews were performed. The transcripts w ere systematically analyzed by coding, categorizing, and interpreting the c ontent of the text. The extracted themes, categories, and patterns were sum marized. Results: The method proved useful when exploring empirically known but non-measurable sound disturbances. Moreover, the findings provided fur ther support for an alternative pathogenic theory suggesting the patient's playing an active role in the development of tympanic membrane retractions. Conclusions: Used as a complement to quantitative methods, qualitative met hods offer a means for exploring the patient's experiences and role in the development, therapy, and prevention of disease. Otorhinolaryngology involv es disorders of sensory functions such as hearing, equilibrium, smell and t aste, as well as the vital functions of breathing and eating. The related s ymptoms might be experienced and coped with very differently depending on i ndividual interpretations, fear of severe disease, etc. Furthermore, the cl inician's and the patient's perspectives of symptoms and expectations regar ding treatment may differ, which has implications for information, planning of therapy, and quality assessment in health care. There is no lack of stu dy questions, but rather a lack of experience of alternative and pertinent methods. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.