Issues arising from the use of qualitative methods in health economics

Abstract

As health economists begin to embrace qualitative methodology they inevitably face a number of issues. This paper explores these, distinguishing between those associated with the conflict between quantitative and qualitative methodologies (that has already been faced in a number of other research areas) and those associated with the potential for challenges to the discipline of mainstream economics. The former include both the acceptability of the methods (because of issues such as generalisability and reflexivity) and the acceptability of presentation. The latter appear to be essentially concerned with identity within economics. The paper concludes by noting the positive aspects of conducting qualitative research in health economics: the interesting and motivating nature of the research and, particularly, the possibilities for increasing the relevance associated with economic theory in the context of health and health services.