Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2010 Sep;126(3):1089-1097.
doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181e60624.

A guide to qualitative research in plastic surgery

Melissa J Shauver  1 , Kevin C Chung
Affiliations

A guide to qualitative research in plastic surgery

Melissa J Shauver et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Sep.

Abstract

Qualitative research can explore parts of the subjective patient experience that cannot be detailed with quantitative methods such as surveys. Unfortunately, this powerful methodology is underused in plastic surgery, a specialty where subjective outcomes are more important than traditional outcomes indicators. Qualitative research can be used to add depth to patient satisfaction questionnaires or other quantitative measures. Qualitative methodology can also be used to explore complex issues such as why patients choose to undergo cosmetic surgery or to detail patient experiences following reconstructive surgery. The authors explain the basics of qualitative research, including asking the appropriate research question, applying steps to collect data, data analysis, and practical applications of the results.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The cycle between qualitative and quantitative research.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The interviewer and participant control vary with the “structuredness” of the interview
Figure 3
Figure 3
Illustrated steps to qualitative data analysis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Clapham P, Pushman A, Chung KC. A systematic review of applying the satisfaction outcome in plastic surgery literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. in press. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Watt AJ, Kotsis SV, Chung KC. Risk of melanoma arising in large congenital melanocytic nevi: a systematic review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004;113:1968–1974. - PubMed
    1. Strauss A, Corbin J. Basics of Qualitative Research. Sage Publications; Thousand Oaks, CA: 1998. Introduction.
    1. Abu-Nab Z, Grunfeld EA. Satisfaction with outcome and attitudes towards scarring among women undergoing breast reconstructive surgery. Patient Educ Couns. 2007;66:243–249. - PubMed
    1. Hill O, White K. Exploring women’s experiences of TRAM flap breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2008;35:81–88. - PubMed

Publication types