53. Phenomenology in Qualitative Research

About this lesson

In this module, we explore phenomenological research, a powerful qualitative tradition focused on understanding lived experiences in healthcare. Whether examining a patient’s journey through chronic illness or a clinician’s day-to-day realities, phenomenology provides tools to grasp the meaning of these human experiences from the inside out.

You'll learn the core principles of phenomenology, its philosophical roots in thinkers like Husserl and Heidegger, and how it's applied in real-world healthcare research. This video covers the types of phenomenology (from descriptive to interpretive, existential to IPA) and guides you through key steps for conducting phenomenological research, including bracketing, reduction, and thematic analysis.

Key Topics Covered

• Understanding lived experience as a foundation for research
• Descriptive and interpretive phenomenology explained
• Embodied experience and the concept of the lifeworld
• In-depth interviews and thematic analysis techniques
• Describing the essence of a phenomenon in health contexts

Ideal for students, researchers, and healthcare professionals, this module demystifies phenomenology and shows how it can enhance the depth and relevance of healthcare research. It encourages thoughtful, patient-centered inquiry that prioritizes experience, meaning, and perspective over mere measurement.

Perfect for

• Health science and public health students
• Nursing, psychology, and social work researchers
• Medical educators exploring qualitative methods
• Anyone interested in patient experiences and healthcare meaning-making

Lesson notes

Full written notes for this lesson are in production. Until they publish, watch the video above and use the summary on this page as your study guide.