Ethical issues in qualitative research: challenges and options

Abstract

Background: We have been conducting workshops on “Qualitative Methods in Health Research” since last 5 years for health professionals in India. Objective: To explore the concerns and suggestions of the participants during their learning of ethical issues in qualitative research in a workshop setting. Materials and Methods: We obtained responses in an interactive session on ethical issues in qualitative research from a group of newly trained participants in workshops conducted in the years 2011 (n = 13) and 2013 (n = 30). A summative manual content analysis was done to identify themes generated. The results were compiled by two authors in which one was trained in qualitative research and another was trained in ethics in biomedical research. The discussion was developed in consensus. Result: The ethical challenges in qualitative research that emerged were (1) ensuring confidentiality, (2) selecting a tool and an approach for studying sensitive topics, (3) developing a consent form for a flexible interview, (4) addressing risks, (5) ethical reviewing of qualitative research proposals, and (6) publishing qualitative research findings. Participants suggested the need for training of researchers and ethics committee members in qualitative research methods. Conclusion: The findings may help in developing instructional design for ethics education in qualitative research and stimulate the generation of separate guidelines for the conduct of qualitative research in the future, in our country.