Qualitative research in health: value and visibility

Abstract

The values of qualitative research in health policy planning and development, health services organisation and delivery, and enhancing the understanding of comprehensive health interventions have been increasingly recognised over the past two decades.1–3 Qualitative research seeks to, in its nature, explore and/or explain the phenomena in the real world, which shape or are shaped by human perspectives, experiences, and wider political, social, and cultural contexts. For health system strengthening, this is an appropriate method to understand “how” norms and stakeholders influence the design and function of health systems, “why” intended outcomes are achieved or are not achieved, and “what” the unintended outcomes are.

Topics & Concepts