Abstract
The review study found 24 purely qualitative research studies of patients´ conception of illness and four combined research works. This study provides a detailed tabular summary of the studies according to unified criteria.
Evidently, most of the qualitative research works have been carried out in Great Britain. Of the 24 qualitative research studies, 19 were transversal, 3 longitudinal and 2 interventional ones.
Most researchers use individual semi-structured interviews. Focus group discussions rank on the second place.
Of the methods drawings of lay concept of illnesses prevail not only at children but in adults as well.