Chronic illness health care. Reflections on the methodological procedures of a qualitative study

Abstract

Chronic diseases have been the focus of qualitative researchers. However, few studies have explained in depth the methodological options chosed in the studies and their reasons. This paper presents some reflections on the methodological strategies and procedures used in a multisite, qualitative study whose focus are the individual s perspectives on chronic conditions and medical care. Such reflections are on the study s orientation, the selection of the area, the focus groups and the social relations among participants. We conclude stating that the methodological options and the strategies used, rather than being solely a technical issue, are deeply linked to the study s object, the social relations among participants and the context of research.