Christalla has experience in conducting qualitative health care research, in particular the use of qualitative research methods to inform health care service evaluation. Christalla has a particular interest in the application of behavioural and social science methodologies and approaches to health care research, particularly approaches specific to health justice.

Research topics of interest include delivery and evaluation of health care services, health care service user needs and experiences with health and health care, and health and quality of care of underserved populations, especially members of migrant and ethnic minority groups.