title: Qualitative assessments.
abstract: Current NHS policies emphasise the involvement of patients and place them centre stage in the evaluation of health care. The unique experiences and views that patients can bring to health service research can be understood as complementary to staff skills. Qualitative research methods in particular provide a distinctive approach to recording and interpreting patients' perceptions and opinions; these insights can be used when developing and evaluating new treatments and services.
authors.affiliation: Academic Department of Rheumatology, King's College London School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, Weston Education Centre, Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9PJ, UK. heidi.k.lempp@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lempp
authors.forename: Gabrielle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kingsley
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D006113:United Kingdom