The key informant technique.
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.


METHODS
The principles underlying the technique and the advantages and disadvantages are considered, illustrated with examples from a range of social science studies.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Marshall
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Institute of General Practice, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Exeter, UK.
D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007257:Information Theory; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008511:Medicine; D012107:Research Design; D013038:Specialization; D013222:State Medicine