This document discusses the importance of qualitative research methods in understanding medication safety issues. It notes that medication errors are a huge problem that require in-depth exploration of social and organizational factors. Qualitative research can provide rich insights into these issues by studying them in their natural contexts. It then defines qualitative research and discusses various qualitative traditions like grounded theory, ethnography, case studies, and phenomenology. It also covers topics like sampling, data sources, analysis strategies, and ethical considerations in qualitative research. The document emphasizes that qualitative research adds depth and nuance to understanding that can help reveal the real-world complexities involved.