Workshops as a qualitative research method in health research

AIM: Researchers are increasingly using workshops within health research, particularly in the context of developing complex interventions. The status of workshops within health research is not clear. Are workshops a research method or a form of stakeholder involvement akin to patient and public involvement? Do they require ethics approval? How are data collected and analysed? How should the results be published - if at all? METHODS: Reflection on the methodological literature. REFLECTIONS: Researchers can frame workshops as a qualitative research method if they aim to generate new knowledge that is useful to stakeholders external to their research project and therefore aim to publish the findings of the workshops. In that context, ethics approval is required, with written informed consent taken from participants. Data collection can occur using a range of approaches including post-it notes, handwritten notes or audio or video recordings of discussions. Data can be analysed using a range of approaches including thematic or content analysis. Like any qualitative research, results can be published in a research article. A list of issues to consider and report when undertaking workshops as a research method is offered, based on methodological literature from a range of research fields. Alternatively, researchers can frame workshops as 'stakeholder involvement in research' if they aim to identify knowledge for use within their research project only. The product of these workshops might be characterised as a set of actions for the research team to take. Formal analysis will not be necessary-merely identification of actions-and reporting within publications may be similar to the reporting of patient and public involvement activity with a research project. Researchers may face grey areas when deciding which route to adopt. Team reflection and documenting the justification for the decision made may help to formulate appropriate decisions.