Back to Search Start Over

Applying Rapid Qualitative Analysis for Health Equity: Lessons Learned Using 'EARS' With Latino Communities

Authors :
Sara M. St. George
Audrey R. Harkness
Carlos E. Rodriguez-Diaz
Elliott R. Weinstein
Vanina Pavia
Alison B. Hamilton
Source :
International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Vol 22 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
SAGE Publishing, 2023.

Abstract

Qualitative research amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and thus plays a critical role in shaping our understanding of health inequities and their social determinants. Traditional qualitative approaches, such as grounded theory or thematic analysis, require extensive training and are time- and labor-intensive; as such, they may not be adequately suited to address healthy equity issues that require a swift response. Rapid qualitative analysis (RQA) is an action-oriented approach to qualitative data analysis that may be used when findings are needed to quickly inform practice. RQA capitalizes on using a team to summarize key points from qualitative data into matrices to explore relevant themes efficiently and systematically. In this paper, we provide case examples from our work applying RQA to health equity research with Latino communities to address community needs, such as responses to public health emergencies and the development of service delivery and technology interventions for infectious and chronic diseases. We draw from our collective experiences to share lessons learned and provide the following specific recommendations (“EARS”) to researchers interested in applying RQA for health equity research: (1) Employ RQA to address rapidly evolving, urgent, health equity challenges; (2) Assure quality and rigor throughout the RQA process; (3) Respond to barriers and problem-solve as needed; and (4) Strengthen community relationships before, during, and after using RQA. Overall, we advocate for the use of RQA to promote health equity due to its ability to integrate the vital perspectives of marginalized communities and efficiently respond to their needs.

Subjects

Subjects :
Social sciences (General)
H1-99

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16094069
Volume :
22
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Qualitative Methods
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.423c02025259461588ef41ed58b14ddd
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231164938