The Qualitative Research Commission, a space for learning and exchange in research in health services, well valued and open to participation
Three years after expanding the Qualitative Research Commission with the collaboration agreement between the Health Policy Studies and Prospects Service (SEPPS) of the Catalan Health and Social Consortium (CSC) and the University Institute for Primary Care Research Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), the successive evaluations show it as a consolidated learning space in research applied to health services, highly valued by its participants. The expansion has not only allowed the quality and interest of this space to be maintained, but has also contributed to increasing its levels of participation and expanding the topics covered. With a view to 2023, new ones are proposed for this commission, open to new incorporations.
Throughout 2022, the Qualitative Research Commission has had the participation of 30 people on average per session, among health and research professionals from all over Catalonia interested in the development of research in the field of health and health services using qualitative methods. In order to promote the development of the knowledge and skills of the professionals concerned, the commission analyzed study protocols still in development, and shared and debated theoretical frameworks and methodological doubts. The sessions revolved around very diverse topics, among which the presentation of the challenges in carrying out qualitative studies in the field of access to health services and non-face-to-face care, the perspective on the health of col vulnerable groups and the implementation of preventive programs in services. In this edition, the participation of the main researchers of the EquityCancer-LA project in Latin America is particularly noteworthy, who presented the challenges in the field work and the preliminary analysis in the study of barriers and facilitators in access to the early diagnosis of cancer in Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.
The members of the Qualitative Research Commission give a good assessment of the 2022 edition
Last February 21, during the first session of the Qualitative Research Commission of 2023, the coordinator of the Commission at the CSC, Aida Oliver, presented the results of the evaluation survey of the Commission of the year 2022. The survey, carried out through the self-administration of an online questionnaire, gathered the assessment of the 5 sessions held and recommendations for future editions of this space. The results show a very positive assessment, where the participants highlight the ability of the Commission to create a space for debate and exchange of experiences; the contents, particularly with regard to their diversity and the interest of the projects presented; and the speakers, especially for their motivation and expertise. Among the suggestions for improvement, the need to recover attendance while maintaining the virtual format of the sessions stands out. The participants also proposed the treatment of specific topics and projects, as well as perspectives and data collection techniques, which will be taken into account for the organization of this year's sessions.
As in previous editions of the survey, the good assessment of some aspects of the Commission, and many of the suggestions, coincide with the objectives and strategies of this space. For example, since the lifting of the measures to deal with the pandemic, hybrid sessions have been consolidated, which allow face-to-face assistance while maintaining the option of participating online, promoting a better reconciliation and participation of people from all over the territory.
The Qualitative Research Commission in 2023
During this 2023, the Commission will continue working to contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills in qualitative research of the health professionals interested, adding the experience of both coordinating entities and promoting synergies. In addition, an attempt will be made to increase the presentation of studies in the field of primary care, which may be of interest to its professionals. The Commission will meet again next April 11 in a session organized by the IDIAPJGol, focused on a study on the implications of living with endometriosis, in which we encourage you to participate from the coordination point of view.
