Re: Measuring what matters to patients - qualitatively as well as quantitatively ?
About a year ago the BMJ’s editors were invited by seventy six senior academics from 11 countries, “ to reconsider their editorial policy of rejecting qualitative research on the grounds of low priority.“ (1)
Despite gathering an impressive number of supporting responses to their cause (2), that plea for a reconsideration of the value of qualitative research, seems to have gone largely unheeded.
Coulter’s editorial detailed the OECD health ministers’ recent determination to move away from a reliance on mortality rates and clinical indicators which give “ ..only a partial view of the value of health care,” to assessments of what people really feel about their health care, “ ..it’s impact on their well being and their ability to play an active role in society.” (2)
Expecting the BMJ to change to a more qualitative- friendly, research content may be akin to turning a rudderless battleship, or tug boat, onto a different course, but surely Coulter and the OECD make a strong case for open-mindedness in this respect ?
Rapid Response:
Re: Measuring what matters to patients - qualitatively as well as quantitatively ?
About a year ago the BMJ’s editors were invited by seventy six senior academics from 11 countries, “ to reconsider their editorial policy of rejecting qualitative research on the grounds of low priority.“ (1)
Despite gathering an impressive number of supporting responses to their cause (2), that plea for a reconsideration of the value of qualitative research, seems to have gone largely unheeded.
Coulter’s editorial detailed the OECD health ministers’ recent determination to move away from a reliance on mortality rates and clinical indicators which give “ ..only a partial view of the value of health care,” to assessments of what people really feel about their health care, “ ..it’s impact on their well being and their ability to play an active role in society.” (2)
Expecting the BMJ to change to a more qualitative- friendly, research content may be akin to turning a rudderless battleship, or tug boat, onto a different course, but surely Coulter and the OECD make a strong case for open-mindedness in this respect ?
1 http://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i563
2 http://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i563/rapid-responses
Competing interests: No competing interests