Recently, The Lancet has paid growing attention to the role of qualitative research in health sciences, highlighting its importance for understanding patient experiences, clinical decision-making, and aspects that may not be captured by quantitative approaches alone. Three companion Reviews, published in The Lancet Oncology, The Lancet Haematology, and eClinicalMedicine, emphasise that qualitative methods are essential for addressing unresolved clinical and social questions.
“Qualitative research in haematology” (The Lancet Haematology) provides methodological standards on qualitative approaches in blood disorders and treatment pathways. Authors add that this approach could be useful to address questions related to health equity, care access, treatment adherence, and ethical implications of participation in therapeutic trials.
“Qualitative research in oncology” (The Lancet Oncology) highlights how qualitative methods can address gaps in oncology research, such as understanding patient perspectives, treatment decision-making, and barriers to care.
“Qualitative research in child health” (eClinicalMedicine) focuses on the role of qualitative research in paediatrics and child health, to reach more patient-centred care and improve outcomes for children and families.
In these papers, the Authors also underline the need for clear methodological and rigorous recommendations for the design and conduct of qualitative research, so that this kind of research can have a real impact on clinical practice. They also suggest five key pillars (engagement, flexibility, transparency, transferability, and impact) to improve the quality and credibility of qualitative research.
View the articles:
Expert recommendations for the conduct and appraisal of qualitative research in oncology
Advancing child health through applied qualitative research
Expert recommendations for the conduct and appraisal of qualitative research in haematology
The Lancet Oncology, 27, e84-e100
eClinicalMedicine, 2026; 92
The Lancet Haematology, 2026; 13, e110-e118
Reviewed on behalf of EASE by Silvia Maina, Italy