Qualitative research publication rates in top-ranked nursing journals: 2002-2011.
BACKGROUND
Journal publication is the traditional means of disseminating research. Few top-ranked general medical and health services and policy research journals publish qualitative research.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined qualitative research publication rates in top-ranked nursing journals with varying characteristics (general vs. specialty focus, number of issues per year) and compared publication rates with those previously reported for journals in related fields.


METHODS
A bibliometric approach was used to identify and quantify qualitative articles published in 10 top-ranked nursing journals from 2002 to 2011.


RESULTS
The percentage of qualitative empirical studies varied within and across nursing journals with no apparent association with journal characteristics. Although variable, qualitative research appears more common in high-ranking nursing journals than in general medical and health services and policy research journals.


CONCLUSIONS
Examining factors that contribute to inconsistent rates may identify strategies to optimize qualitative research reporting and publication.
Anna R. Gagliardi, PhD,is Scientist, University Health Network and Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Muriah Umoquit, MA,is Director of Market Research, Wulven Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Fiona Webster, PhD,is Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Mark Dobrow, PhD,is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Anna R
AR
Gagliardi
Muriah
M
Umoquit
Fiona
F
Webster
Mark
M
Dobrow
D015706:Bibliometrics; D009729:Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research