Evidence from qualitative research can help to understand human experience and meaning within a given context, and this is now recognised as an important contribution to a progressive model of evidence-based practice (EBP). However osteopathic research has focused on quantitative research to develop its evidence base and inform the technical rational areas of clinical practice.  Over the last four decades there has been a proliferation of qualitative research into healthcare practice, including osteopathy and manual therapy. Qualitative research is able to describe and develop theories of the tacit and artistic areas of practice, which are complex, multifactorial and context specific. Therefore, it is argued that a greater use of qualitative research will help develop a more rounded and comprehensive evidence base in osteopathy.

Owing to the dominance of quantitative research methods, practitioners may be unclear of the purpose and scope of qualitative research or how to integrate qualitative research findings into an evidence-based model of osteopathy. This workshop is offered as an introduction to qualitative research methodologies and discusses the valuable contribution of qualitative research to EBP.  The session will cover: the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research; common methods of data collection and analysis; and the strategies to enhance the quality of conducting and reporting qualitative research studies.