Strategies for Communicating Social Science and Humanities Research to Medical Practitioners

Abstract

Social science and humanities (SSH) researchers face challenges publishing qualitative research in medical journals. Yet, the descriptive, explanatory, experiential and interpretive knowledge generated by qualitative research is integral to the enhancement of health service delivery. Drawing on three examples of studies published in medical and SSH journals, we discuss elements SSH researchers can consider in the presentation of their research to better reach their intended audience. We suggest that SSH researchers resist abandoning the foundational elements of their discipline (i.e., epistemological paradigm, research objectives, study design, research methods, trustworthiness) while being mindful of medical journal editors' and reviewers' preference for practical knowledge that can inform practice change. Depending on what the authors hope to convey to their audience, other aspects pertaining to its presentation may be adapted to be more readily understood by the readership (i.e., structure, writing style, vocabulary, summary tables, interpretation level). We remain optimistic that if we continue to expose medical audiences to high-quality SSH research, they will learn to embrace diverse standards for research and value its other modes of presentation.

Keywords

• qualitative health research
• communication
• medical journals
• epistemological paradigm
• recommendations
• knowledge transfer