Qualitative Research Core

The Qualitative Research Core (QRC) seeks to understand and uplift the lived experiences of patients, community members, and other key stakeholders whose varied perspectives contribute to answering a given research question. We partner with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers and investigators to support and execute qualitative and mixed-method research. In doing so, we aim to advance the science of qualitative methods and meaningfully center lived experiences in research.

Using rigorous qualitative research methods in pediatric healthcare, public health, and community settings contributes insights into complex social systems, conditions, and events, illuminates personal and group experiences, and gives voice to those who are frequently unheard. We practice research guided by values of accountability, learning, integrity, and respect.

We are especially invested in supporting research that seeks to decrease health inequities, employs community-engaged research techniques, and/or encompasses goals of practice and policy change in service of improved health outcomes. We commit to partnering with investigators to explore appropriate, responsible, and equity-centered research methods.

How can we support your research?

Our staff can help your research team define research questions, conceptualize sampling strategies, select appropriate data collection methods, design data collection instruments, and execute qualitative work.

We bring our methodological expertise, content knowledge, and institutional experience to partner with your team on clinical, quality improvement, and public health research projects. We employ various qualitative methods (e.g. case study, ethnography, action research) and data collection tools (interviews, focus groups, Delphi panels, nominal group technique, photovoice, observations), selected to align with your research goals, stakeholders, and setting. Advanced content knowledge and training in public health, social work, geography, urban planning and communications supports our methodological expertise.

Our team members are experienced in partnering with special populations, including children and adolescents, pregnant and parenting people, justice-involved and incarcerated people, people using substances, and people deeply affected by inequality and precarious social conditions. We are skilled at working within public systems, including the child welfare system, criminal justice system, public health system, and local, county and state government. We follow the principles of trauma-informed practice in all parts of our research process.

Read more about our team and their experience.

Lastly, we train investigators and researchers with any level of prior research experience in qualitative and mixed-method research activities, seeking to advance research skillsets across CHOP and within our care communities.