Qualitative research: why psychiatrists are well-placed to contribute to the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to outline and review some of the qualitative approaches - specifically interviewing and case studies--that can contribute to psychiatric research, and to highlight the existing skills that psychiatrists can bring to such approaches.


CONCLUSIONS
Qualitative research methods are currently under-utilized in psychiatric research. Psychiatrists are well placed to utilize qualitative methodologies by applying the skills that they acquire through training and clinical practice. Psychiatrists wishing to conduct research might wish to consider and adopt qualitative methods where appropriate.
Crabb
Shona
S
Discipline of Psychiatry at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia. shona.crabb@adelaide.edu.au
Chur-Hansen
Anna
A
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D011570:Psychiatry; D036301:Qualitative Research