# Qualitative research methods in health technology assessment: a review of the literature This report provides an overview of qualitative research methods in health technology assessment (HTA). It discusses the scope of qualitative research, its historical development, and its relationship with quantitative methods. The report also examines the methods used in qualitative research, the criteria for assessing qualitative research, and the implications of qualitative research for HTA. Qualitative research involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of non-numerical data. These data relate to the social world and the concepts and behaviours of people within it. Qualitative research is found in all social sciences and in applied fields such as health services, nursing, and pharmacy. The application of qualitative methods in HTA may be novel, but the principles of qualitative methods are not new. The report discusses the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods, and the ways in which they can be used together. It also examines the methods used in qualitative research, including participant observation, interviews, written records, and conversation analysis. The report also discusses the ethical considerations of qualitative research and the criteria for assessing the validity and relevance of qualitative research. The report concludes that qualitative research can provide valuable information on the implementation and impact of health technologies on both health professionals and patients. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles of qualitative methods and the way they may be used to set benchmark standards. The report also highlights the need for commissioners and researchers to be aware of the strengths and limitations of qualitative research and to use it appropriately in HTA.# Qualitative research methods in health technology assessment: a review of the literature This report provides an overview of qualitative research methods in health technology assessment (HTA). It discusses the scope of qualitative research, its historical development, and its relationship with quantitative methods. The report also examines the methods used in qualitative research, the criteria for assessing qualitative research, and the implications of qualitative research for HTA. Qualitative research involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of non-numerical data. These data relate to the social world and the concepts and behaviours of people within it. Qualitative research is found in all social sciences and in applied fields such as health services, nursing, and pharmacy. The application of qualitative methods in HTA may be novel, but the principles of qualitative methods are not new. The report discusses the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods, and the ways in which they can be used together. It also examines the methods used in qualitative research, including participant observation, interviews, written records, and conversation analysis. The report also discusses the ethical considerations of qualitative research and the criteria for assessing the validity and relevance of qualitative research. The report concludes that qualitative research can provide valuable information on the implementation and impact of health technologies on both health professionals and patients. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles of qualitative methods and the way they may be used to set benchmark standards. The report also highlights the need for commissioners and researchers to be aware of the strengths and limitations of qualitative research and to use it appropriately in HTA.