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Experiences from a pilot study on how to conduct a qualitative multi-country research project regarding use of antibiotics in Southeast Europe.

Authors :
Kaae, Susanne
Sporrong, Sofia Kälvemark
Traulsen, Janine Morgall
Kildemoes, Helle Wallach
Nørgaard, Lotte Stig
Jakupi, Arianit
Raka, Denis
Gürpinar, Emre Umut
Alkan, Ali
Hoxha, Iris
Mala, Admir
Cantarero, Lourdes Arevalo
Source :
Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy & Practice. 5/23/2016, Vol. 9, p1-10. 10p.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Background: In 2014, a qualitative multi-country research project was launched to study the reasons behind the high use of antibiotics in regions of Southeast Europe by using previously untrained national interviewers (who were engaged in other antibiotic microbial resistance-related investigations) to conduct qualitative interviews with local patients, physicians and pharmacists. Little knowledge exists about how to implement qualitative multi-country research collaborations involving previously untrained local data collectors. The aim of this paper was therefore to contribute to the knowledge regarding how to conduct these types of research projects by evaluating a pilot study of the project. Methods: Local data collectors conducted the study according to a developed protocol and evaluated the study with the responsible researcher-team from University of Copenhagen. The pilot study focused on 'local ownership', 'research quality' and 'feasibility' with regard to successful implementation and evaluation. The evaluation was achieved by interpreting 'Skype' and 'face to face' meetings and email correspondence by applying 'critical common sense'. Results: Local data collectors achieved a sense of joint ownership. Overall, the protocol worked well. Several minor challenges pertaining to research quality and feasibility were identified, in particular obtaining narratives when conducting interviews and recruiting patients for the study. Furthermore, local data collectors found it difficult to allocate sufficient time to the project. Solutions were discussed and added to the protocol. Conclusions: Despite the challenges, it was possible to achieve an acceptable scientific level of research when conducting qualitative multi-country research collaboration under the given circumstances. Specific recommendations to achieve this are provided by the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20523211
Volume :
9
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy & Practice
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
115891621
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-016-0069-3