Interpretive Description (Developing Qualitative Inquiry)

"The text takes the reader through the journey of a research project that will in the end produce an 'interpretive description' of a clinically relevant issue or topic that can change practice.... The dual message of flexibility and rigor in designing, undertaking, and communicating findings from a project is key for all researchers who aspire to address complex issues, no matter how experienced and regardless of 'applied' or 'pure' leanings....I have found it useful already in supervising graduate practitioner students who struggle to marry a credible research project with a passion and commitment to practical and political questions relating to health care. The book is also useful for those who consider themselves experienced practitioners of research applied to health care, as the way the message is put across is refreshing and clear and reminds us that each research project is a completely new journey that has to be undertaken with a fresh outlook."--Guro Huby, Medical Anthropology Quarterly

"With the publication of Interpretive Description, researchers now have access to a highly readable, practically oriented, and more comprehensive discussion of how (and why) to design, conduct, and transmit research using this methodological approach. As a result, researchers will be better equipped to implement an interpretive description."
--Matthew R. Hunt, Qualitative Health Research

"Thorne has developed this research method over many years in order to combat what she sees as a fundamental difference between social science research and applied health research.... Unlike other qualitative methods, the focus on multidisciplinarity, using mixed theories and methods, and the demystification of certain stages of the research process, make this book particularly useful for those wanting to apply their research to real world problems."
--Ruth Bridgens, Qualitative Research

This book is designed to guide both new and more seasoned researchers through the steps of conceiving, designing, and implementing coherent research capable of generating new insights in clinical settings.