Five Tips for Writing Qualitative Research in High-Impact Journals

Abstract

The recent ‘‘#BMJnoQual’’ debate around the British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) approach to publishing qualitative research studies raised unprecedented debate and concern among qualitative research communities internationally. The debate arose from a BMJ rejection letter, which stated that the journal did not prioritize publishing qualitative work because it receives ‘‘limited downloads’’ and thus this was not then a priority. When this rejection letter was shared on Twitter, a flurry of concerned responses followed (Bekker, 2015). A subsequent letter to the BMJ from over 75 concerned internationally known researchers, including Clark, called on the journal to recognize the value of qualitative research and publish it more, not less, regularly (Greenhalgh et al., 2016). This letter has now been viewed 32,000 times. The BMJ, in their own responses, both to this letter (BMJ Editors, 2016) and on social media (Bekker, 2015), initially indicated there would be no change. However, they subsequently modified their stance to indicate they will be formally calling for more qualitative methods and increasing their expertise in review (Loder, 2016). This is a welcome change. We entreat those seeking to widen access and increase awareness of their qualitative research to be even more determined to meet the challenge of making their work relevant and useful to readers of highimpact mainstream journals. We write as two cardiac researchers who have brought qualitative research to readers of mainstream journals in various forms: primary studies, large reviews, and editorials calling for qualitative work. This work has been published in journals in general medicine (BMJ, Lancet, International Journal of Clinical Practice), cardiology (Heart, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Journal, European Journal of Heart Failure, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, International Journal of Cardiology), rehabilitation (Clinical Rehabilitation), and nursing (Journal of Advanced Nursing, Nursing Outlook, International Journal of Nursing Studies). Although we have had rejections aplenty and periods of doubt and frustration, nevertheless it’s vital that the large readerships of higher impact mainstream journals less familiar with qualitative research read and use our research. We offer five considerations to help those writing qualitative research for mainstream journals to maximize their chances of publication success.