Ensuring quality qualitative research reporting in community pharmacy: a systematic literature review

Objectives To evaluate the reporting quality for a sample of community pharmacy qualitative research articles based on the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines, data interpretation and use of theory. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE to identify qualitative research related to community pharmacy. Data were extracted and evaluated based on the SRQR standards, data interpretation level and use of theory. Adherence to standards was analysed using descriptive statistics. Key findings Eighty-one studies were retrieved through the database search (n = 81). Then, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria after screening abstracts and full texts. Twelve out of 21 SRQR were present in more than 80% of the studies. However, essential standards, such as research approach, reflexivity and trustworthiness techniques, were absent or partially present in 30 (97%) studies, 30 (97%) studies and 21 (68%) studies, respectively. Data interpretation level was descriptive in 27 (87%) studies and interpretive or partially interpretive in 4 (13%) studies. Theory was absent in 19 (60%) and implied, partially integrated or retrospectively applied in 12 (40%) of the studies. Conclusion Trustworthiness and quality of qualitative inferences within community pharmacy research could be enhanced with increasing awareness about reporting; the approach and paradigm, reflexivity, trustworthiness techniques, data interpretation level and theoretical use.