Why you should read this article:

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To understand the tasks and time required for budgeting and setting realistic project timelines and recruitment targets for research

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To gain insight into the workload associated with conducting qualitative research

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To appreciate the time and effort involved with conducting qualitative interviews with research participants

Background Appropriate costing and allocation of resources is vital to ensure that recruitment to a study is achieved on time and on target. However, there is little guidance concerning the workload associated with qualitative research.

Aim To review the planned versus actual workloads in a qualitative sub-study following elective cardiac surgery in children.

Discussion Parents of children approached for a clinical trial were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to explore their views about making decisions concerning their children’s participation in the trial. A workload audit was conducted using anticipated points of contact with participants, and the duration of activities identified in the protocol and Health Research Authority statement of activities; these were compared with timed activities documented by the research team.

Conclusion The current system did not anticipate or capture the workload associated with conducting a relatively straightforward qualitative sub-study of a clinical trial with a research-engaged patient group.

Implications for practice Understanding the hidden workload associated with qualitative research is vital in ensuring that project timelines, recruitment targets and funding for research staff are realistic.