Qualitative research methods and its application in nephrology

Chronic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of mortality, comorbidities and life-threatening complications. Invasive treatments including dialysis or transplantation, complex pharmacological therapies, dietary restrictions and the ongoing need to attend follow-up appointments can place a substantial treatment burden on patients and carers and impair quality of life. This highlights the need for care that is responsive to the needs of patients and involves them in decision-making to achieve the most appropriate healthcare outcomes. Shared decision-making and collaborative approaches to care require a deep awareness of the lived experiences and goals of patients. Qualitative research methods can provide insights into patients' experiences, values and priorities and inform practice and policy by uncovering their preferences for care. Qualitative methods are increasingly being used in standalone projects or in mixed methods studies (complementing quantitative studies) to make valuable contributions to patient-centred research. Patient-centred care, collaborations between patient and care provider, and shared decision-making that integrates with the patient's goals are central to quality healthcare. The efficacy of qualitative research lies in its ability to elicit patients' perspectives, values, priorities and goals that underpin shared decision making and care. This article discusses examples of how qualitative research has informed practice and policy in nephrology, provides a summary of qualitative research methods and outlines a guide on how to appraise, interpret and apply qualitative data.