Data collection alone does not qualify. Qualitative research identifies issues and explores values and attitudes. Qualitative research is based on an in-depth exploration of a topic. Successful projects can be based in one or two practices. Qualitative research does not require a randomly selected sample of participants.
Qualitative research can be useful in policy development.
For example - Longitudinal studies of patient management of chronic disease. Research which describes what happens in a given situation or to a given group of patients. Research can successfully be carried out in only one practice. For example - Reasons why women fail to respond to an invitation to have a cervical smear check. Comparisons of prevalence or management between a rural and an urban practice.