Kirsti Malterud discusses the importance of qualitative research methods in improving medical understanding, emphasizing their complementarity with quantitative methods. She proposes relevance, validity, and reflexivity as key standards for qualitative inquiry. The article addresses specific challenges in reflexivity, transferability, and shared assumptions of interpretation, which are crucial for medical researchers. Malterud highlights the need for a broad base of medical and scientific knowledge while acknowledging the interpretive nature of qualitative research. She outlines guidelines for maintaining scientific quality in qualitative research, including the importance of detailed reporting, sampling strategies, and critical analysis. The article also delves into the concept of reflexivity, where researchers must acknowledge and address their own biases and preconceptions to ensure objectivity and enhance the transferability of findings. Additionally, it discusses the role of theoretical frameworks and the importance of a thorough and well-documented analysis. Malterud concludes by emphasizing the value of combining qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a broader understanding of clinical realities, while cautioning against the limitations of any single method.Kirsti Malterud discusses the importance of qualitative research methods in improving medical understanding, emphasizing their complementarity with quantitative methods. She proposes relevance, validity, and reflexivity as key standards for qualitative inquiry. The article addresses specific challenges in reflexivity, transferability, and shared assumptions of interpretation, which are crucial for medical researchers. Malterud highlights the need for a broad base of medical and scientific knowledge while acknowledging the interpretive nature of qualitative research. She outlines guidelines for maintaining scientific quality in qualitative research, including the importance of detailed reporting, sampling strategies, and critical analysis. The article also delves into the concept of reflexivity, where researchers must acknowledge and address their own biases and preconceptions to ensure objectivity and enhance the transferability of findings. Additionally, it discusses the role of theoretical frameworks and the importance of a thorough and well-documented analysis. Malterud concludes by emphasizing the value of combining qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a broader understanding of clinical realities, while cautioning against the limitations of any single method.