title: Research notes.
abstract: In a culture where randomised controlled trials are considered the 'gold standard', qualitative research suffers from the 'stigma of the small n'. A small number of cases are studied, the cases are not statistically representative of the population and the data collected are unstructured and difficult to analyse. Consequently, some NHS staff may see the study as not worthwhile, and indeed as a waste of money and resources.
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Hospital Dundee.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
authors.affiliation: Dundee University School of Nursing and Midwifery.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gray