The key informant technique.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This article considers the role of the key informant technique as a qualitative research method and examines the potential contribution of the approach to health care research.

METHOD

The principles underlying the technique and the advantages and disadvantages are considered, illustrated with examples from a range of social science studies.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

An example of the author's own use of key informants in a study of the professional relationship between general practitioners and specialists is described.