Empirical phenomenological inquiry and analyses are of high relevance and applicability
for nursing and health care. Phenomenology has clear roots in philosophy, which needs to
be brought into an empirical phenomenological inquiry. However, all study of phenomena and
experience does not qualify as phenomenological inquiry. The aim of this article is to
provide guidance for how to relate different empirical phenomenological methodologies that
are in play in the broader field of healthcare research, and thus support healthcare
researchers in navigating between these methodologies. For pedagogical purposes, we
present commonalities and differences as related to descriptive and interpretive
phenomenological inquiries throughout the research process. The merits and criticisms of
empirical phenomenological inquiry are commented on.