Qualitative Research Methods
KCE Reports 408C (2025)
Summary
In the context of KCE research, qualitative methods can provide a deeper, more concrete understanding of the topic under investigation than purely quantitative data, as well as valuable insights regarding its wider context. Their aim is not just to describe, but also to obtain more meaningful explanations of a phenomenon. They can also be useful in generating hypotheses. Qualitative research methods are particularly valuable in research on the organisation of healthcare (known as Health Services Research or HSR), but they can also be used in other types of projects like Health Technology Assessments (HTA) or the development of Good Clinical Practice guidelines (GCP).
How to cite this document?
Dauvrin Marie, Kohn Laurence, Christiaens Wens, Benahmed Nadia, Cornelis Justien, Desomer Anja, Paradis Julie, Cleemput Irina. KCE Process Note: Qualitative Research Methods. Methods. Brussels. Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE). 2025. KCE Reports 408C. DOI: 10.57598/R408C.
Table of contents
- Why this report?
- Aims
- Methodology
PART 1 - What are the specificities of qualitative research?
- Frequently asked questions about qualitative research studies
- Preparing a qualitative research study
- Ethical issues specific to qualitative health research
- Quality and validity of qualitative research methods
- Reflexivity in qualitative health research
PART 2
Files
- Open the synthesis (.PDF, 5 p., 338,57 KB)
- Open the Process Note (.PDF, 203 p., 3,05 MB)