Twelve tips for using phenomenology as a qualitative research approach in health professions education

Phenomenology is a qualitative research approach that seeks to understand the individual meanings of lived experience. This 12 Tips article highlights the importance of understanding the philosophical foundations that inform the choice of phenomenological research study, including descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. The article provides a practical guide to the choice of the most appropriate phenomenological research approach and the process of data collection, iterative data analysis and interpretation, with consideration of the essential aspects of bracketing and reflexivity.