Using Open Ended Questions in Qualitative Research For Better Understanding

In the field of digital health, gathering detailed patient feedback is essential for developing solutions that work for real people. At WeGuide, we focus on engaging patients and simplifying health technology so that every improvement is rooted in actual experiences. Open ended questions in qualitative research help capture personal stories and detailed descriptions that fixed-answer surveys often miss. This approach allows researchers to understand not only what happens but also why it happens, revealing factors in care that numbers alone cannot explain. In this blog post, we explore how open ended questions can uncover meaningful details in patient narratives, provide everyday examples, and discuss how a mixed method approach—illustrated by the GenV case study—can enhance our understanding of healthcare challenges. Recent research has shown that qualitative methods are particularly well suited to explore complex experiences and the subtle aspects of care (Kim, 2023; Joshi et al., 2021).

The power of open ended questions

Open ended questions encourage patients to share their experiences without the limitations of yes-or-no answers. Rather than simply confirming or denying a fact, patients are invited to explain how a particular device or service affects their daily life. For example, instead of asking, "Do you find the blood glucose monitor useful?" a question like, "How has using the blood glucose monitor changed your daily routine?" invites detailed responses that include both benefits and challenges. This method helps researchers gather a complete picture of patient behavior, capturing aspects such as emotional responses, practical difficulties, and even unexpected benefits. Detailed narratives can reveal issues like calibration problems or ease of use that might not be apparent in quantitative data. Studies have shown that qualitative methods effectively explore complex patient experiences and nuances in care (Kim, 2023; Joshi et al., 2021).

Qualitative research: a closer look at patient experience

Qualitative research goes beyond the surface by exploring the context and meaning behind patient experiences. Unlike quantitative research that focuses on numbers and statistics, qualitative methods use open ended questions and personal interviews to delve into the reasons behind patient behavior. Researchers spend time with patients to understand how a device or service fits into their everyday lives, allowing them to uncover details such as emotional responses and cultural factors that shape health behaviors. This method is particularly useful when traditional surveys fail to capture the depth of personal experiences. Evidence from the literature supports the value of this approach for understanding complex healthcare scenarios, as it documents not only what patients experience but also how they interpret those experiences (Tscholl et al., 2019; Corner et al., 2019). The result is a richer, more nuanced understanding of patient care that helps tailor digital health solutions to meet real needs.

A practical example: evaluating a blood glucose monitor

Consider a study that examines how patients use a blood glucose monitor at home. In this study, researchers ask detailed questions such as, "How has using the blood glucose monitor changed your daily routine?" and "What challenges have you faced when integrating this device into your health care routine?" These questions encourage patients to provide personal accounts that cover both the technical and emotional aspects of device use. Responses may reveal practical issues like connectivity problems or calibration challenges, as well as emotional aspects such as increased confidence or anxiety related to self-monitoring. Such detailed data is essential for understanding the real-world performance of the device and for identifying specific areas where improvements can be made. Moreover, the qualitative data gathered can inform subsequent quantitative studies by highlighting trends that need to be measured on a larger scale (Joshi et al., 2021; Tscholl et al., 2019). This two-step approach ensures that any changes made are directly responsive to patient experiences.

GenV case study: a mixed method approach in newborn development research

An excellent example of a mixed method approach is the GenV case study, which investigates the development patterns of newborns in Victoria, Australia. GenV collects both quantitative data and qualitative narratives from parents and caregivers, enabling researchers to understand not just measurable growth metrics but also the context in which these developmental milestones occur. By asking open ended questions, the study gathers detailed descriptions of early developmental stages, challenges faced by families, and the impact of various care practices. This qualitative information enriches the numerical data, allowing researchers to see the full picture of newborn development. Such a design is supported by studies advocating the integration of qualitative data with quantitative measures to better inform intervention design (Smith et al., 2021; Corner et al., 2019). More details about the GenV approach can be found in the case study on the WeGuide website: Supporting newborn families through inclusive research.

Image description: A photorealistic image of a researcher engaging in a discussion with a group of parents in a family-friendly community setting. The image should capture a warm, inviting atmosphere where parents are sharing their experiences about caring for their newborns. The background might include soft natural light, comfortable seating, and subtle community center elements. The style should appear genuine, as if taken by a professional photographer documenting real-life family interactions.

When to use open ended questions and qualitative research

Open ended questions and qualitative research are particularly useful when it is important to understand the full context of a patient’s experience. These methods are best applied in early studies that explore new digital health tools or care practices, where capturing the real-life challenges and successes is vital. In many cases, numbers alone cannot tell the whole story; personal narratives are essential to understanding the reasons behind patient behaviors and responses. Detailed qualitative responses often point out specific issues or benefits that might be overlooked in a standard survey, making them an important complement to quantitative research. This combined approach ensures that any interventions or product improvements are based on a comprehensive understanding of patient care (Kim, 2023; Tscholl et al., 2019).

Enhancing research with the WeGuide platform

At WeGuide, we are dedicated to supporting researchers by making it easier to collect and use detailed patient feedback. Our platform is designed to gather information securely and efficiently, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data. By incorporating open ended questions into research protocols, our system captures a wide range of patient experiences, providing a complete picture that informs better health care solutions. The platform also supports data integration from devices such as blood glucose monitors, allowing researchers to link personal narratives with measurable health indicators. This approach not only improves the accuracy of digital health solutions but also ensures that every change is grounded in real-world evidence (Smith et al., 2021). Our goal is to simplify research while maintaining the depth and reliability needed to enhance patient care.

Image description: A photorealistic image showing a modern research lab where a small team is gathered around a large screen displaying patient data. The setting is well-lit by natural light streaming through large windows, and the room features state-of-the-art digital equipment in a clean, organized space. The photograph should capture the focused and collaborative atmosphere of the team, as if taken by a professional photographer specializing in corporate and technical environments.

References

Corner, E. J., et al. (2019). A concise review of qualitative research methods in healthcare. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(10), 1123–1137. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.139217

Joshi, M., Gupta, M., & Dasgupta, P. (2021). Qualitative methods in health care research. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_178_192

Kim, H. S. (2023). Qualitative research in healthcare: Necessity and characteristics. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 38(4), e23. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e232

Smith, R., et al. (2021). Integrating evidence from systematic reviews and qualitative studies. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(4), e25681. https://doi.org/10.2196/256812

Tscholl, D. W., et al. (2019). The advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research in healthcare settings. BMJ Open, 9(8), e030583. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030583