Developing a Guideline for Reporting and Evaluating Grounded Theory Research Studies (GUREGT)

Grounded theory is considered a part of qualitative research but has certain distinctive features. Specific criteria for reporting and evaluating grounded theory research studies are needed and the objective of the study was therefore to develop a guideline for reporting and evaluating grounded theory research studies. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1: A structured literature review in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Libraries, PsycInfo and SCOPUS to identify recommendations for reporting and evaluating grounded theory. Phase 2: A selective review of the methodological grounded theory literature of Barney Glaser, Kathy Charmaz, and Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin for knowledge in the methodological literature of reporting and evaluating grounded theory studies. Phase 3: An expert panel evaluation of the main areas and items assessed relevant during phase 1 and 2 for reporting and evaluating grounded theory research studies. The study resulted in a 25-item Guideline for Reporting and Evaluating Grounded Theory Research Studies (GUREGT) covering 12 main areas of the grounded theory approach. Researchers and readers applying GUREGT when reporting and/or evaluating grounded theory research studies will improve their abilities to identify information missing in the grounded theory manuscripts as well as preserve the theoretical sensitivity of grounded theory studies