Dr Jennifer Stephenson is a Clinical Academic Pharmacist at King’s College London, specialising in geriatrics. Her research aims to improve outcomes for older adults through safer and more effective medication use. In this article she explains how she used an Ignition Fund award to develop her research skills by attending the Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods Summer School at King’s College London.
Much of my previous work has been quantitative, including developing the PRIME risk stratification model to identify those at greatest risk of medication-related harm after hospital discharge, and creating a conceptual model positioning medication-related harm as a geriatric syndrome.
However, as I move towards designing interventions to mitigate these risks, I have recognised the need to understand meaning as well as measurement. Shifting from the binary thinking of prescriptions being simply “right” or “wrong” towards understanding the human experiences and behaviours surrounding medicines is essential. Gaining qualitative insights allows me to interpret quantitative findings more deeply and amplify the voices of those often unheard in research.
Summer school
The Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods Summer School at King’s College London, is held over five intensive days, and allows international delegates to explore the purpose, application, and principles of qualitative research.
Day 1 focused on foundational theories, including methodologies, ontologies, and epistemologies. This challenged my previously Positivist viewpoint, highlighting how limited my earlier “small q” understanding of qualitative methods had been. The remaining sessions provided practical experience in conducting focus groups and interviews, introduced innovative data collection methods (e.g. art and multimedia), and covered critical appraisal, ethics, analysis, and dissemination.
Development of a research protocol
The course transformed my approach, moving my perspective closer to Realism and Constructionism. These insights have informed the development of a research protocol aimed at creating a personalised medication adherence intervention for older adults living with frailty and heart failure. Grounded in behaviour change theory and evidence, this work builds upon ongoing quality improvement (QI) initiatives within the Cardiology Older Persons Service (COPS) at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
In addition to course attendance, the Ignition Fund supported further progress of the COPS QI project by capturing the lived experiences of patients with heart failure and frailty, taking multiple medicines. Patients were invited to complete a seven-item pre-consultation adherence screener being piloted in the service. Using my newly developed qualitative research skills, I conducted follow-up interviews (both by phone and in-person at participants’ homes) to gather feedback.
Added value of qualitative interaction
Participants found the screener simple to complete, noting it “was just one of those things you do.” However, several valued the follow-up discussion, with one commenting that “it helped having 1:1 to get to know each other.” Another admitted to “fibbing” about forgetfulness on the questionnaire, a disclosure only made during conversation, demonstrating the added value of qualitative interaction. These insights have shaped the intervention protocol and two participants were identified as being interested in contributing further to this research.
Overall, the Vivensa Academy Ignition Fund has enabled me to develop essential qualitative research skills, expand my methodological perspective, and integrate patient voices into my work. These experiences have informed the design of future studies that aim to enhance medication-related outcomes for older adults living with frailty and complex conditions.
Find out how to apply for an Ignition Fund award here. Applications are open year-round and can be submitted at any time, however the next deadline is 5 December.