Until 2000 there was a dearth of methodologically sound studies of palliative day care. In an attempt to increase validity, this study used methodological triangulation to examine the experience of palliative day care service users. Data collection took place over a period of one year from 1 May 1999 - 30 April 2000 in a palliative day care unit in the West of Scotland. A standardised questionnaire the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 version 3 (EORTC QLQ) was used to collect quantitative information (n=40) from new service users and tape-recorded semistructured interviews were used to collect qualitative information (n=15). Analysis of the quantitative data using the Wilcoxan matched pair test indicated that there was a significant difference between the scores of the EORTC QLQ completed on admission and the scores of the EORTC QLQ completed after four-five weeks attendance (n=17) in two domains. 'Physical functioning' (p=0.019) was reported to increase and 'financial problems' (p=0.046) were reported to decrease. Analysis of the interview data suggested that the service users benefited from attendance at palliative day care. It was the group support and the opportunity to participate in simple previously taken for granted activities, which appeared to be most appreciated. Seeing how others coped in a similar situation provided the service user with inspiration and helped put their own situation into perspective. When the qualitative and quantitative data were analysed together, explanations for the increase in 'physical functioning' domain and decrease in 'financial difficulties' were found. Results from this study have to be treated with caution due to the small numbers involved and the methodological difficulties encountered. It would appear however that the EORTC QLQ is not a suitable tool for use with the palliative day care population.