What do the JAMA editors say when they discuss manuscripts that they are considering for publication? Developing a schema for classifying the content of editorial discussion.

Background: In an effort to identify previously unrecognized aspects of editorial decision-making, we explored the words and phrases that one group of editors used during their meetings.

Methods: We performed an observational study of discussions at manuscript meetings at JAMA, a major US general medical journal. One of us (KD) attended 12 editorial meetings in 2003 as a visitor and took notes recording phrases from discussion surrounding 102 manuscripts.

Children's asthma experience and the importance of place.

Asthma is increasing dramatically among poor, inner-city children. Fourteen children with, and twelve without, asthma were interviewed and observed to examine how children with asthma understand their illness and how the asthma experience shapes their sense of place. Quantitative data showed no difference in objective preferences for particular places, but qualitative analysis showed important differences.

Why don't children take their asthma medications? A qualitative analysis of children's perspectives on adherence.

Focus groups were conducted with children with asthma to generate descriptive data regarding asthma adherence. Transcripts of focus groups were analyzed using qualitative methods. Data collection occurred at an outpatient department of a university-affiliated hospital and at a summer camp for children with asthma.