Background Ethnography has been widely and successfully used in nursing and healthcare research, in particular to explore culture in clinical settings. Ethnographic studies are less often used to explore the effects of home medical technologies, despite the ongoing drive for patients to assume responsibility for their own care and to receive care at home.

Aim To discuss methodological considerations when conducting ethnographic research in patients’ homes, drawing on a study exploring the culture of patients and their families living with peritoneal dialysis in their homes.

Discussion In-depth insights obtained by observing participants in their homes, recording field notes through text and diagrams, minimising intrusion, and promoting participants’ privacy with adapted periods of observation are examined. The author’s role in caring for ill participants in the home is also covered.

Conclusion Ethnography can generate holistic, rich data, but must be adapted when used in participants’ homes.

Implications for practice Ethnography can help healthcare professionals and policymakers to understand the effects on patients and their families of living with home medical technologies.