Making better use of qualitative research: illustrations from medical education research

THERE has been increasing interest in the use of qualitative methodologies in many health-related areas. Several studies, undertaken by the New South Wales Medical Education Unit on Alcohol and Other Drugs, to examine doctors' attitudes and experiences towards treating patients with drug and alcohol problems, are presented to illustrate the comp lementary nature of qualitative and quantitative methods of investigation. The inherent strengths of each approach are highlighted, as is the potential for their application in a wide range of health-related areas.