Opportunities and challenges in qualitative research: Reflections from the BRC network meeting

The Bristol Biomedical Research Centre’s Katie Whale and Rachael Gooberman-Hill alongside Kirsten Bell from Imperial College London reflect on the recent Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) Qualitative Social and Behavioural Science Network meeting.

Our network met face to face in November, to discuss opportunities and challenges in qualitative research. Hosted by Imperial College London, the meeting brought together attendees from BRCs across England. The group shared expertise about methodological developments and their work within translational research.

We focused on three important areas.

Challenges and opportunities in qualitative methods

Exploring strategies for maximising diverse research participation in research, attendees shared how healthcare professionals and marginalised groups are included in BRC work.

We all also considered how to communicate value and impact effectively. This discussion recognised the opportunity for qualitative research to provide new understandings and to benefit the NHS and wider society, complemented by wider increasing awareness of the value of co-production and co-design within the healthcare system.

NIHR strategy and priorities

We were pleased to welcome a colleague from the NIHR with oversight of BRCs. The talk and Q&A session highlighted the NHS 10-year plan and the importance of impactful research findings for the NHS.

The session also addressed the role of BRCs in accelerating innovation in translational research and the importance of collaboration across and between BRCs and with infrastructure. The group reflected on the ways in which qualitative social and behavioural research supports both collaboration and pathways to impact.

AI knowledge share

We discussed how ‘generative AI’ (genAI) is influencing qualitative research practice and routine, administrative work. Sharing examples aligned with responsible and ethical guidelines and expectations, members described using genAI to streamline some administrative tasks.

Discussions highlighted the need for guidance to keep pace with developments in AI, concerns about diversity and related bias in underlying models, and examples of members’ own use of genAI.

Last year the group explored genAI for data analysis. This year the focus shifted to its role in routine tasks. This may reflect the current ubiquity of genAI and the interest in the use of AI for qualitative analysis.

Feedback from the day

Feedback from attendees was positive. It highlighted the value of opportunity for open and supportive conversations with other translational researchers.