Strengths and Challenges in the Use of Interpretive Description

Reflections Arising From a Study of the Moral Experience of Health Professionals in Humanitarian Work

Bibliographic Data

ID5454919
AuthorsMatthew R Hunt (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada), Matthew Hunt (0000-0003-4190-0163, McMaster University, corresponding author)
Year2009
Volume19
Issue9
Pages1284-1292
Publication date2009-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732309344612
PMID19690208
OpenAlexW2108155649
LanguageEN
Citations received74
References cited18

Interpretive description is a qualitative research methodology aligned with a constructivist and naturalistic orientation to inquiry. The aim of interpretive description, a relatively new qualitative methodology, is to generate knowledge relevant for the clinical context of applied health disciplines. To date there has been little discussion in the literature of the particular merits and limitations of this methodological framework. In this article I draw on my experience of using interpretive description as methodology for an inquiry into the moral experience of clinicians in humanitarian work. I identify and discuss strengths and challenges that can arise in the application of interpretive description. Strengths identified include a coherent logic and structure, an orientation toward the generation of practice-relevant findings, and attention to disciplinary biases and commitments. Challenges include limited resources for situating the methodology, challenges in employing a lesser-known methodology, and uncertainty regarding the degree of interpretation to seek

Discipline · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Management science · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Strengths and weaknesses · Computer Science · Ethics in medical practice · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare · Psychology · Social Psychology

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