Embracing qualitative approaches in gastroenterology research: a call to action

Introduction

In academic medicine, quantitative approaches are often regarded as more robust and reliable. Clearly, many biomedical and clinical research questions are best addressed using research designs such as randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and other approaches embedded within a quantitative paradigm. However, the landscape of medical research is far more nuanced than numbers alone can capture. Issues pertinent to understanding participants’ experiences and perspectives, and how or why certain interventions may or may not work in real-life,1 are better explored qualitatively.2 Despite its value, qualitative research remains underrepresented in Gastroenterology journals.3

Here, we discuss the merits of qualitative research, explore potential reasons for the underrepresentation of qualitative studies in Gastroenterology journals and identify areas where qualitative approaches could yield substantial benefits. We call for a concerted effort to build capacity in qualitative methods within the gastroenterology community and advocate a more inclusive approach to the publication of qualitative articles in Gastroenterology journals.