title: [Qualitative Research in Health Services Research - Discussion Paper, Part 3: Quality of Qualitative Research].
abstract: The third and final discussion paper of the German Network of Health Services Research's (DNVF) "Qualitative Methods Working Group" demonstrates methods for the evaluation and quality of qualitative research in health services research. In this paper we discuss approaches described in evaluating qualitative studies, including: an orientation to the general principles of empirical research, an approach-specific course of action, as well as procedures based on the research-process and criteria-oriented approaches. Divided into general and specific aspects to be considered in a qualitative study quality evaluation, the central focus of the discussion paper undertakes an extensive examination of the process and criteria-oriented approaches. The general aspects include the participation of relevant groups in the research process as well as ethical aspects of the research and data protection issues. The more specific aspects in evaluating the quality of qualitative research include considerations about the research interest, research questions, and the selection of data collection methods and types of analyses. The formulated questions are intended to guide reviewers and researchers to evaluate and to develop qualitative research projects appropriately. The intention of this discussion paper is to ensure a transparent research culture, and to reflect on and discuss the methodological and research approach of qualitative studies in health services research. With this paper we aim to initiate a discussion on high quality evaluation of qualitative health services research.
authors.affiliation: Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stamer
authors.affiliation: Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Güthlin
authors.affiliation: Berlin School of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Holmberg
authors.affiliation: Institut für Medizinsoziologie, Versorgungsforschung und Rehabilitationswissenschaft (IMVR) der Humanwissenschaftlichen Fakultät und der Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität zu Köln.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Karbach
authors.affiliation: Forschungsbereich Integrative Rehabilitationsforschung, Institut für Epidemiologie, Sozialmedizin und Gesundheitssystemforschung, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Patzelt
authors.affiliation: Forschungsbereich Integrative Rehabilitationsforschung, Institut für Epidemiologie, Sozialmedizin und Gesundheitssystemforschung, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Meyer
mesh_terms: D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005858:Germany; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*