title: Using qualitative research to enhance the evidence-based practice of health care providers.
abstract: The physiotherapy profession has increasingly sought to demonstrate that its practice is based on sound scientific principles validated by rigorous research, in other words that its practice is evidence-based. This paper will assert that evidence-based practice requires not only carefully evaluated interventions judged through objective criteria but also input from patients in a systematic way that provides a foundation for patient-centred care. Consideration of both is essential if the best outcomes of physiotherapy intervention are to ensue. The merits of qualitative research are appraised as a means of adding the humanistic mission to result in best practice in physiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: School of Medical Education, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. j.ritchie@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Jan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Ritchie