Kirsti Malterud – författare

Kvalitativa forskningsmetoder bidrar till ny förståelse av människors upplevelser och erfarenheter av sjukdom, hälsa och möten med hälso- och sjukvården. I denna metodtradition står text, tolkning och innebörd i centrum. Författaren delar med sig av sina erfarenheter och ger läsaren en introduktion till grunderna och förutsättningarna för de kvalitativa forskningsmetoderna, en översikt över de olika stegen i forskningsprocessen, en fördjupning av utvalda teman kopplade till fältarbete, design, teori och etik samt en vägledning för kritisk läsning av kvalitativa studier. En stor del av texten är reviderad eller nyskriven i förhållande till de tidigare upplagorna, särskilt när det gäller det metodiska genomförandet av analysprocessen. I den här upplagan finner du också information om projektlogg, kvalitativa metaanalyser, diskursanalys och procedurer för forskningsetiskt godkännande. Kvalitativa metoder i medicinsk forskning riktar sig till studenter och forskare inom hälso- och sjukvård. Den kan även vara av intresse för alla som är intresserade av forskningsmetodik och kunskaps-utveckling.

Qualitative Metasynthesis presents a research method developed for upcycling and synthesis of qualitative primary studies, aimed at researchers within medicine and health sciences.This book demonstrates how and why qualitative metasynthesis can be a method for reuse and expansion of medical knowledge. It presents the principles of metasynthesis as a qualitative research method, so that the reader can assess whether this is a research strategy that fits the aim of their study. The author offers practical advice for conducting research using this methodology. The presentation is illustrated by a study carried out by the author and collaborators, reflecting on real-life challenges and solutions as an example of meta-ethnography, one of the most frequently used strategies for qualitative metasynthesis. The author also looks at systematic reviews, a methodology developed within in the tradition of evidence-based medicine, discussing strengths, weaknesses and pitfalls of this methodology. Rooted in the interpretative paradigm, qualitative metasynthesis challenges several of the principles from the evidence-based medicine tradition, offering reflections on challenges when epistemologically very different methodologies intersect.This book should be considered essential reading for anyone carrying out qualitative research within the fields of medicine, health and social care.

Qualitative Metasynthesis presents a research method developed for upcycling and synthesis of qualitative primary studies, aimed at researchers within medicine and health sciences.This book demonstrates how and why qualitative metasynthesis can be a method for reuse and expansion of medical knowledge. It presents the principles of metasynthesis as a qualitative research method, so that the reader can assess whether this is a research strategy that fits the aim of their study. The author offers practical advice for conducting research using this methodology. The presentation is illustrated by a study carried out by the author and collaborators, reflecting on real-life challenges and solutions as an example of meta-ethnography, one of the most frequently used strategies for qualitative metasynthesis. The author also looks at systematic reviews, a methodology developed within in the tradition of evidence-based medicine, discussing strengths, weaknesses and pitfalls of this methodology. Rooted in the interpretative paradigm, qualitative metasynthesis challenges several of the principles from the evidence-based medicine tradition, offering reflections on challenges when epistemologically very different methodologies intersect.This book should be considered essential reading for anyone carrying out qualitative research within the fields of medicine, health and social care.

Qualitative research methods are crucial for addressing central questions arising from clinical and organisational practice. In medicine and healthcare, knowing and scientific knowledge cannot be reduced to what is measurable. They also involve subjectivity, interpretation, diagnostic reasoning, interaction and ethical judgement. This book develops a coherent methodological framework in which these dimensions are treated as integral to knowledge development, not as residual or secondary concerns.The opening chapters establish the philosophical foundations for a qualitative methodology grounded in applied healthcare practice and committed to the role of subjectivity. Ontological assumptions about health and illness are made explicit and systematically linked to epistemological and methodological choices. Subsequent chapters guide the reader through the core stages of the research process – from design and data development to analysis and interpretation – consistently clarifying how underlying assumptions shape methodological approaches and conclusions. Empirical examples illustrate methodological reasoning, critical decisions and common pitfalls. Rather than offering a broad survey of qualitative traditions, the book presents a coherent, practice-based approach that safeguards the scientific legitimacy of qualitative research on its own terms.Written primarily for students and researchers new to qualitative methods at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in medicine and healthcare, the text also invites more experienced scholars to reflect critically on established methodological practices.