A new edition of this book is available Qualitative Methods for Health Research is a practical introduction to designing, conducting and appraising qualitative research in areas such as public health, health services research, nursing and health promotion. This book will be useful for professionals and students with little prior knowledge of social science theory. The authors provide a clear guide for the reader who would like to know more about how to apply their skills to the field of health. Using examples from health research projects in a wide range of settings, it introduces readers to the key debates in qualitative methodology, issues in designing ethical and feasible projects, the main methods of collecting and analyzing qualitative data, and ways of reading and writing qualitative research. Key features include: - case studies - chapter summaries - highlighted key points A basic understanding of methodological principles is as important in applied as in academic work. Health professionals and students alike will learn a great deal about applying methods from this textbook.