Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, Volume 60, Issue 1, Pages 43-49
J. Daly, K. Willis, R. Small, J. Green, N. Welch, M. Kealy, E. Hughes

This paper arose from a series of critical appraisal exercises based on recent qualitative research studies in the health literature. We focused on the central methodological procedures of qualitative method (defining a research framework, sampling and data collection, data analysis, and drawing research conclusions) to devise a hierarchy of qualitative research designs, reflecting the reliability of study conclusions for decisions made in health practice and policy.