A review of qualitative research designs in healthcare: what it is and when to use

Qualitative research plays a crucial role in healthcare by capturing patient experiences, provider perspectives, and systemic healthcare challenges that quantitative methods may overlook. This paper reviews major qualitative research designs, outlining their applications, strengths, and considerations for use in clinical and health services research.Key qualitative methodologies include: (1) Case Studies, which provide in-depth analysis of rare conditions or patient responses; (2) Ethnographic Research, which immerses researchers in healthcare environments to understand cultural influences on health behaviors; (3) Grounded Theory, which develops theories based on systematically gathered data, particularly useful for emerging healthcare challenges; (4) Phenomenological Research, which explores individual experiences and perceptions of illness or treatment; (5) Narrative Research, which examines personal patient and provider stories to identify meaning-making processes in healthcare; (6) Action Research, which integrates participants in problem-solving to improve clinical practices; and (7) Focus Groups, which capture collective perceptions and decision-making dynamics. Additionally, observational studies analyze behaviors in real-world settings, while content analysis systematically interprets textual and visualhealthcare data. By selecting the appropriate qualitative approach, researchers can gain deeper insights into patient-centered care, healthcare system inefficiencies, and behavioral health interventions. This review guides when and how to use qualitative designs, ensuring their effective integration into evidence-based practice, policy development, and medical education. The continued application of qualitative methodologies is essential for addressing the complexities of modern healthcare and fostering more human-centered, equitable medical research