Writing Qualitative Research and Evaluation for Clinical Audiences

Qualitative methods draw from diverse traditions, from social science to nursing. Heterogeneity in approach and discipline make qualitative methodologies a vibrant form of scientific inquiry. At the same time, the range of knowledge, familiarity, and comfort with qualitative methods varies. The authors of this piece are social scientists with extensive qualitative writing experience, as well as experiences running writing groups, serving as peer reviewers, and being a journal editor. This brief article presents useful strategies and actionable tips for developing qualitative articles for peer-review and publication. It includes qualitative writing recommendations organized by (a) the common structure of qualitative articles, (b) the writing process, and (c) the end product and the peer review process. The authors’ goal is to provide accessible pathways for navigating qualitative article writing and publication for interdisciplinary audiences.