COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies)

The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) covers the reporting of studies using interviews and focus groups. It is the only reporting guidance for qualitative research to have received other than isolated endorsement although it applies to only a few of the many qualitative methods in use. The COREQ checklist was developed to promote explicit and comprehensive reporting of interviews and focus groups. The COREQ checklist consists of 32 criteria, with a descriptor to supplement each item. This chapter discusses how best to use the guideline, development process, evidence of the effectiveness of guideline, endorsement and adherence, cautions and limitations, and key features of the COREQ. It is important that researchers provide sufficient detail on their methods of data analysis and the relationship between the analysis and the findings in the research report so that reviewers can assess the rigor of the analysis and the credibility of the findings.