A Practical Guide to Using Qualitative Research with Randomized Controlled Trials

1: Introducing qualitative research with RCTs: overview of rationales, study designs and paradigms
1: Rationales for using qualitative research with randomised controlled trials
2: Frameworks, study designs and guidance
3: How qualitative research can contribute to generating evidence of effectiveness
4: Using qualitative research with different types of RCTs
5: Paradigms
6: Theories underpinning the intervention
2: Practical guidance for using qualitative research with RCTs
7: Writing a proposal
8: Selecting research questions
9: Collecting data
10: Analysing the qualitative data
11: Integrating qualitative and quantitative data and findings
12: Publishing journal articles
13: Assessing the quality of qualitative research undertaken with RCTs
3: Engaging relevant stakeholders
14: Team working
15: Engaging with key stakeholders
16: Having an impact on health, health care and health policy

• The book has bullet points and examples displayed in boxes, and includes a glossary and a detailed index, ensuring that it is a practical 'how-to' guide
• With its detailed explanations and inspiring examples, this book is a one of a kind tool for postgraduate students wishing to conduct their own RCTs using Qualitative Research.
• The book has real life examples laid out in boxes so that readers can learn by reading about previous studies.
• The book has previously published guidance all brought together in one place. This makes it easy for researchers to engage with this rapidly developing area.

Researchers measure the effectiveness of new interventions using randomized controlled trials (RCTs). They are increasingly using qualitative research with these RCTs to explain the results of RCTs or facilitate the viability and efficiency of RCTs. A Practical Guide to Using Qualitative Research with Randomized Controlled Trials is a how-to book about the use of qualitative research with RCTs.

Divided into three parts, this book covers the process of using qualitative research with RCTs from start to finish. Section one outlines overarching issues such as the many contributions qualitative research can make to generating evidence of effectiveness, section two provides practical guidance from writing a proposal through to publishing qualitative research undertaken with RCTs, and the final section guides the reader on how to engage with relevant stakeholders. Each chapter focuses on the key steps of undertaking qualitative research in RCTs, giving examples of how to write a proposal, select research questions, integrate qualitative and quantitative components, and much more.

A Practical Guide to Using Qualitative Research with Randomized Controlled Trials is ideal for researchers who are leading, undertaking, or planning to use qualitative research with RCTs. With its detailed explanations and inspiring examples, this book is also useful for postgraduate students wishing to conduct qualitative research in the context of an RCT.

Alicia O'Cathain, Professor of Health Services Research, Professor of Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

Alicia O'Cathain (BSc, MSc, MA, PhD) is Professor of Health Services Research at the School of Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield, UK. She has written extensively about mixed methods research in health and more recently on how to combine qualitative research with randomised controlled trials. She evaluates health services, particularly related to emergency and urgent care, and develops and evaluates interventions for chronic health problems.