Professors from University of Antwerp hold interactive workshop on qualitative research methods in medicine

From 28 to 30 June RSU academics and doctoral students from the Department of Family Medicine, Department of Nursing and Midwifery and Department of Paediatrics had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and competencies in the application of qualitative research methods. 

From 28 to 30 June RSU academics and doctoral students from the Department of Family Medicine, Department of Nursing and Midwifery and Department of Paediatrics had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and competences in the application of qualitative research methods. 

The workshop on research methods was held by Lieve Peremans M.D., Ph.D., general practitioner, professor at the University of Antwerp, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care and Department of Nursing and Midwifery and Paul Van Royen – M.D., Ph.D., Professor at University of Antwerp, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. 

The interactive workshop was organised by the RSU Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine in conjunction with professors from the University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and RSU Faculty of Public Health and Social Welfare, Department of Nursing and Midwifery with the support of the RSU Centre for Educational Growth and the Latvian Association of Rural Family Physicians, which had organised an informal dinner for the participants of the workshop to discuss future cooperation with RSU departments and cooperation between RSU and the University of Antwerp.   

Using interactive forms of presentation, the visiting professors presented different qualitative research methods, paradigms, data collection and analysis tools. Practical classes devoted to the drafting of research projects, playing out of individual interviews and focus group discussions were particularly valuable. Participants of the workshop could participate in group work to practice data coding and analyse existing publications. 

One of the most valuable gains of the workshop was the readiness of the visiting lecturers to continue research cooperation with doctoral students and academics from the RSU Department of Family Medicine and Department of Nursing and Midwifery and to collaborate with the RSU Centre for Educational Growth to strengthen the research capacity of RSU staff.