Bridging perspectives: reflexivity and bracketing in qualitative studies of pregnancy loss care

Reflexivity is crucial for maintaining rigour and credibility in qualitative research, particularly in studies addressing sensitive subjects, such as pregnancy loss. This article explores the dual positionality of an insider-outsider dynamic and the role of bracketing in a phenomenological study of nurses' and midwives' preparedness to care for women experiencing pregnancy loss. The insider perspective fostered trust and rapport but also risked introducing bias as a result of assumed shared understanding. The outsider role facilitated critical distance and objectivity. Reflexivity and bracketing are essential tools for managing these roles, preserving objectivity and enhancing the authenticity of research findings. This article highlights ways for managing dual positionality in qualitative research through reflexive journaling, peer debriefing and deliberate self-awareness. These methods provide a robust framework for future studies exploring sensitive healthcare topics, ensuring methodological rigour and balanced representation of participants' perspectives.