Clinical-qualitative methodology in scientific production in health and human sciences: an integrative review

Abstract

doi: 10.5216/ree.v12i4.5840

Qualitative research has increased its use by health professionals, especially in recent decades. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize the research in different areas of health and human sciences, particularly using clinical-qualitative methodology. It is an integrative review which covered national publications from 2000 to 2010, the databases CINAHL, PubMed and BIREME virtual libraries and SciELO, using the keywords qualitative research, clinical-qualitative method, clinical-qualitative methodology. Fifty five (55) were identified, of which 33 constituted the study sample. The results showed the growth in publications in the recent years. The application of this methodological framework presented is appropriate, especially in research related to health care settings, but we realized the shortcomings in the production of some of these articles, especially in relation to the methodological approach. Since it is a method of recent use, its application still requires better understanding and development, by some authors.

Descriptores: Qualitative Research; Review Literature as Topic; Investigative Techniques.