The use of qualitative methods (QM) in investigations within the healthcare area has increased dramatically around the world during the past decade. In Sweden, the Health and Medical Services Act has crucially influenced the development of QM from a second rate analysis method to a valued and compatible method to established statistical approaches. This article aims to describe and explain nine methodological issues related to QM based on science theory topics and content valuation premises. © Copyright 2004 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.