Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is far more prevalent in primary care, with roughly one quarter of submissions to the British Journal of General Practice using qualitative methods — about 15 times the hospital-based rate. Qualitative studies represented only 1.36% of all publications across the 12 subspecialties over the 25-year period. The annual proportion of qualitative research approximately tripled over the study period, rising from 0.64% in 2000 to 1.95% in 2024. A cross-subspecialty surge in 2009 saw most fields experience a 20–40% year-on-year increase in qualitative study counts. Qualitative data will be thematically analysed with Atlas.ti using a grounded theory approach and triangulation. COVID-19 publications were removed from the dataset to prevent pandemic-era publishing spikes from distorting trends. Approximately 20 healthcare professionals supporting trial participants are also interviewed about their experiences and views on resourcing needs for routine clinical adoption. The qualitative component uses interviews and focus groups to explore perceptions and reasons for MDA non-participation. KAP surveys will collect information on LF knowledge, transmission, symptoms, preven…