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Qualitative Research

Qualitative research and evaluation allows us to explore social phenomena, providing rich information on lived experience and perspective, and deeper insights and understanding on complex topics, that quantitative methods alone cannot capture. CEDAR undertakes a diverse range of both qualitative and mixed-methods research and evaluation projects, at a local and international level, on an ever-increasing range of topics.

CEDAR staff are highly experienced qualitative and mixed-methods methodologist, taking responsibility for study design, approvals, recruitment, facilitation of transcription and translation, analysis and reporting. Our skills include:

  • Qualitative study design – Selection of appropriate theoretical frameworks including Grounded theory, phenomenology, case-studies, narrative research, experienced based co-design, and delphi studies.
  • One-to-one interviews – Structured, semi-structured and in-depth interviews conducted online, by telephone or in-person (offered in both Welsh and English).
  • Focus groups – Facilitation of online, in-person and hybrid focus groups (offered in both Welsh and English).
  • Surveys – Design and delivery of validated and bespoke surveys (online, paper-based and verbal).
  • PROMs – Designing and validation of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) from conception to deployment, including translation in Welsh.
  • Analysis – Application of thematic analysis, content analysis, narrative analysis, grounded theory, and reflective analysis.
  • Reporting and Dissemination – We can help disseminate findings effectively through reports, academic manuscripts, accessible infographics, conference presentations and posters.
  • Patient and public involvement (PPI) – Meaningful engagement with new and existing patient and public partners to ensure the patient voice is central to our work.

We design every project to fit your specific timelines and budgets. Our support ranges from gathering rapid insights through short surveys and quick informal chats, through to a full comprehensive evaluation involving in-depth interviews, focus groups and complex analysis.

We have experience of working with a diverse range of participants, including clinical staff, children, vulnerable adults, and on sensitive topics.

CEDAR endeavour to make participation in our studies as accessible as possible. For example, we facilitated the inclusion of a participant in a focus group through the use of a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. We are also committed to the use of the Welsh Language, ensuring participants can contribute in the language they are most comfortable with.

All our research studies follow the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), the NHS Research Governance Framework and the Data Protection Act. Proportionate ethical approval or NHS service evaluation permission is obtained for all our qualitative research and evaluation studies.

See below for a list of projects within several of our workstreams, which have incorporated qualitative research:

Evaluation
Research
Value in Health