Tuning into qualitative research: A channel for the patient voice

The 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner will probably be remembered for President Obama’s microphone drop. But before this epic exit, between his scathing review of news media when he compared investigative journalism to a fantasy film and his dig at are porter for leaving journalism to join CNN, President Obama acknowledged the work of the reporters in the room:“At home and abroad journalists like all of you engage in the dogged pursuit of informing citizens and holding leaders accountable, and making our government of the people possible.”It was not mere praise. Woven into his words were the defining characteristics of good journalism: transparency, accuracy, accountability, and equity. These are not dissimilar to the virtues and values of good qualitative research. It could be said that qualitative research is transparent, because it brings patients’ stories to light. Being aware of patient needs is the beginning of accountability, because we have a duty to respond to their plight. Understanding patient values and priorities helps us to engage patients in decisions about their treatment, enhancing equity and accountability.