Qualitative methods complement big data research by providing a framework within which to explore patterns and trends in a nuanced and in-depth manner. In the healthcare context, qualitative methods are essential in understanding and probing the perceptions, experiences, and motivations of students, trainees and patients.

For example, it is universally acknowledged that poor teamwork among different health professionals constitutes a major cause of medical errors (Institute of Medicine, 2001; Salas et al., 2018). While quantitative studies can use validated tools to measure teamwork, only qualitative studies have the power to unveil the social dynamics that undermine teamwork (Brewer & Flavell, 2020; Reeves et al., 2010). By unveiling the elements driving social behaviors, suitable intervention programmes can be designed and implemented to improve teaching & learning, as well as patient care outcomes.

Programme Outline

The year-long programme consists of four modules:

Module 1: Understanding the fundamentals of Qualitative Methods

After attending this module, participants will be able to:

• Understand and explain the research philosophy underpinning qualitative methods
• Discuss the relevance of qualitative methods to quality improvement
• Critically appraise qualitative literature
• Examine issues related to the quality criteria that ensure rigour in qualitative inquiry
  

Module 2: Collecting Qualitative Data

After attending this module, participants will be able to:  

• Discuss issues pertaining to the ethical recruitment and treatment of research participants
• Select data collection methods (interviews; focus group discussions; textual data) appropriate for a specific qualitative inquiry
• Select illuminative, information-rich cases based on appropriate purposeful sampling strategies

Module 3: Analysing Qualitative Data

After attending this module, participants will be able to:

• Prepare audio data for analysis by means of transcription
• Analyse qualitative data using thematic analysis

Module 4: Disseminating Qualitative Scholarship

After attending this module, participants will be able to:

• Write a qualitative manuscript systematically
• Select appropriate target journals to which to submit manuscripts

Certification

Participants in the QUAL-E programme can look forward to receiving the following certificates:

• NUS Executive Certificate
  Participants will be required to obtain a passing grade of ‘C’ for each of the four mandatory modules. Each module is 7 hours long and can be conducted over one day or two half days. There will be a 2-week break between each module to ensure that participants complete the modular assignments.

• AM•EI Participation Certificate
  Participants have the option to attend 1 to all 4 modules. Each module is 7 hours long and can be conducted over one day or two half days. There are no assignment requirements.
  
  

Facilitator(s)

Asst Prof Foo Yang Yann