Qualitative Approaches in Health Services Research: A Methodological Primer

Qualitative methods are essential in health services research. Unlike quantitative methods, qualitative approaches are most effective in exploring the "how" and "why" of complex social phenomena, offering rich insights into attitudes, beliefs, and experiences that might otherwise be overlooked. Aimed at research teams new to qualitative work, this paper introduces qualitative research methods, explaining key terms, data collection strategies, and analytic approaches. We also discuss the theoretical foundations of and methodological rigor in qualitative research. Additionally, we present a novel model that conceptualizes qualitative research as the scaffolding for other research methods within the hierarchy of evidence, highlighting its role in generating hypotheses and adding greater context to quantitative findings. By providing an accessible overview of rigorous approaches to qualitative research, we hope to encourage greater application of qualitative methods in health services research.