This special issue is focused on qualitative research methods - methods that bring everyday practice to life by providing new insights and explanations. Qualitative research collects and analyses data in the form of words (from interviews, focus groups, observation, or written data) instead of numbers.1 It is based on the theories and perspective of the social sciences- sociology, anthropology and education - and it answers questions about the 'how' and 'why' of human behaviour, human interaction and the meanings that people make of their experiences. Qualitative research methods may be used to investigate the perspectives of patients and practitioners and the characteristics of the interaction and communication between them. In addition, qualitative research may be used alongside, or 'nested in', quantitative studies and trials. In this issue, you will find interesting examples of four of these areas.
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