The key informant technique

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This article considers the role of the key informant technique as a qualitative research method and examines the potential contribution of the approach to health care research. METHOD: The principles underlying the technique and the advantages and disadvantages are considered, illustrated with examples from a range of social science studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: An example of the author's own use of key informants in a study of the professional relationship between general practitioners and specialists is described.