Incorporate qualitative data
Quantitative data alone cannot fully capture people’s experiences of sexual and reproductive health. This is particularly relevant where data are limited and where access to, and quality of, care vary across population groups.
Qualitative data provide important context to:
- help explain observed patterns
- identify emerging issues
- highlight areas where quantitative data are not yet available.
Qualitative data describe people’s experiences, views or behaviours, rather than measuring them with numbers. They are often collected through interviews, surveys, observations or written feedback (for example, people describing barriers to accessing services).
Quantitative data are measured or counted information, using numbers. They show how many, how much, or how often something happens and can be analysed using statistics. They are often collected through administrative records (for example, the number of people who used a service).
As part of sexual and reproductive health reporting, the AIHW will incorporate qualitative data (including case studies and consumer and patient feedback) alongside quantitative data, where appropriate. These data will be used to highlight lived experiences of people accessing sexual and reproductive health care, particularly those from priority populations, and to help identify service barriers and areas for future data development.
Case studies
Case studies may be included in sexual and reproductive health reporting to show how sexual and reproductive health services, policies or programs operate in different settings. These may help to illustrate variation in service delivery across jurisdictions or regions, or to highlight innovative or emerging approaches that have been effective in delivering sexual and reproductive health care.
Case studies could also provide examples of pathways through the health care system and across the life course in relation to sexual and reproductive health experiences, impacts and outcomes.
Consumer feedback and lived experience
Consumer feedback and information on lived experience are essential to understand the impacts of sexual and reproductive health conditions, events and services on the individual, and their partners or families. These perspectives support more inclusive and meaningful interpretation of findings and ensure that the experiences of priority populations are reflected in reporting.