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Dermatology

Publication Trends of Qualitative Research in DermatologyA Scoping Review

To identify the key insights or developments described in this article

1 Credit CME

JAMA Dermatology

Published Online: April 26, 2023

Review

Article Information and Disclosures

Micah G. Pascual, BS^1,2;

Megan A. Morris, PhD, MPH³;

Lucinda L. Kohn, MD, MHS^1,2

Author Affiliations

¹School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
²Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora
³Division of General Internal Medicine, CU Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado

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Abstract

Importance Qualitative studies serve as a tool for dermatologists and researchers in dermatology to engage with and understand perspectives of populations with different cultures and backgrounds.

Objective To assess (1) current approaches to qualitative dermatologic research and (2) the publication trends of these studies with the aim to inform researchers regarding qualitative research and its significance and applicability in the field of dermatology.

Evidence Review A scoping review was conducted in which PubMed and CINAHL Plus were searched using dermatology AND qualitative, dermatology, and 7 qualitative methods terms. Studies were selected for inclusion using 3 levels of screening. Level 1 excluded articles published in a language other than English. Level 2 excluded articles of studies involving mixed methods, quantitative methods, systematic review, and meta-analysis. Level 3 excluded articles that were not specific to general dermatology, medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery, dermatopathology, or education and training associated with dermatology. Finally, all duplicates were removed. The searches were conducted from July 23 to 28, 2022. All articles obtained from PubMed and CINAHL Plus searches were recorded in REDCap.

Findings A total of 1398 articles were reviewed, and of these, 249 (17.8%) were qualitative dermatology studies. Common qualitative methods included content analysis (58 [23.3%]) and grounded theory/constant comparison (35 [14.1%]). Individual interviews were the most common data collection method (198 [79.5%]), and patients (174 [69.9%]) were the most common participant type. Patient experience (137 [55.0%]) was the most common investigated topic. Overall, 131 qualitative studies (52.6%) in dermatology were published in dermatology journals, and 120 qualitative studies (48.2%) in dermatology were published between 2020 and 2022.

Conclusions and Relevance Qualitative research in dermatology is becoming more prevalent. There is value in qualitative research, and we encourage researchers in dermatology to incorporate qualitative methods in their studies.

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Article Information

Accepted for Publication: March 3, 2023.

Published Online: April 26, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.0839

Corresponding Author: Lucinda L. Kohn, MD, MHS, Section of Pediatric Dermatology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E 16th Ave, Mail Stop B570, Aurora, CO 80045 (lucinda.kohn@cuanschutz.edu).

Author Contributions: Ms Pascual and Dr Kohn had full access to all of the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Concept and design: Morris, Kohn.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: All authors.

Drafting of the manuscript: Pascual, Kohn.

Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Morris, Kohn.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Kohn.

Supervision: Morris, Kohn.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Ms Pascual reported a grant from the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

Additional Contributions: We thank Anna Bruckner, MD, Children’s Hospital Colorado, for reviewing this manuscript and providing feedback. She was not compensated for her contributions.

AMA CME Accreditation Information

Credit Designation Statement: The American Medical Association designates this Journal-based CME activity activity for a maximum of 1.00  AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to:

1.00 Medical Knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;;
1.00 Self-Assessment points in the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery’s (ABOHNS) Continuing Certification program;
1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;
1.00 Lifelong Learning points in the American Board of Pathology’s (ABPath) Continuing Certification program; and
1.00 credit toward the CME [and Self-Assessment requirements] of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program

It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting MOC credit.