Qualitative research commonly is viewed as the antithesis of the clini
cal trial and far removed from the immediate practical aims of interve
ntion studies and nursing practice. Yet, qualitative methods can be us
ed to enhance the significance and harness the benefits of clinical tr
ials, and to emphasize the distinctive work and outcomes of nursing ca
re. Qualitative methods are especially useful for further describing o
r explaining subject variation on outcome variables, verifying outcome
s obtained from standardized instruments, and clarifying and evaluatin
g interventions in their real-life contexts. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Son
s, Inc.