[Medical humanistic research, fields and methods]

Medical research, which attempts to analyse the numerous aspects of human disease which cannot be investigated scientifically, is at present in a phase of clarification. It is argued that the term "medical humanistic research" is a more adequate term for research into the aspects of human disease within a human scientific tradition than e.g. "qualitative research". The fields of research, methods of collecting data and the various theoretical bases and disciplinary roots of the methodological aspects are discussed. New methodological possibilities are mentioned and the weaknesses and sources of error are indicated. Finally, reflections concerning the future prospects of medical humanistic research in the medical profession are made. The problem is not only the current medical scientific research but, on the other hand, the extent to which the continued medical disciplinary development in scientific understanding is desired. Is possible new structured knowledge about human understanding, feelings, volition and desires which are associated intensely with every medical activity to be abandoned?