Qualitative Research the Heart of Evidence-Based Practice

Introduction: Evidence-based practice  in healthcare remains a complex challenge due to the large number of studies, the diversity of methods, the scarcity of resources, professionals' difficulties in searching for, evaluating, systematizing, and implementing evidence, and the lack of evidence-based health policy guidelines, among others. In addition, there is a positivist culture in the training of most health professionals, which makes it challenging to introduce the results of qualitative studies into practice. We believe that qualitative research provides a unique insight into the experiences, needs, difficulties, and choices of people going through transitions between health and illness, and our objective is to describe the importance of qualitative research for Evidence-Based Practice and the development of actual evidence ecosystems in health institutions, as advocated by the World Health Organization. Method: Based on a review of the literature, the authors reflect on the results of qualitative research in healthcare, the difficulties in translating the knowledge obtained by more constructivist and interpretive methods, and the gains that can be made from an Evidence-Based Practice supported by the results of Quali studies that make it possible to respect the patient's values and preferences, centering care on the citizen. Results: Supporting the clinical decision-making      of health professionals      with studies that make it possible to explore experiences, perspectives, and meanings in areas as complex as self-care, behavioral change, or adherence to the therapeutic regimen      reflect the complexity of human experiences in care practice environments and are vital for understanding phenomena in isolation, or complementarity with other research approaches. Conclusions: Qualitative studies are the heart of evidence-based practice      because they deepen and individualize knowledge about phenomena and make it possible to focus care on people, especially those with increased vulnerability.