Background
Qualitative methods of research are commonly used in nursing research. Therefore, Clinical Nurse Specialists are needed to be acquainted with how the qualitative findings emanating from these research methods could be used as evidence for changes in nursing practice.
Introduction
Qualitative research methods use are used sparingly in healthcare. They are particularly used extensively in studies involving nursing research. The studies are important to establish the potential usefulness of the qualitative findings of these researches in clinical practice.
Purpose, Objectives and Concepts
The issue is being studied purposefully to provide information to Clinical Nurse Specialists about what qualitative research findings mean and how they can be used profitably in nursing. The key objectives of this discussion are the meaning of qualitative findings, the ways the increasing amounts of evidence from qualitative research can be amicably used, and what contribution the qualitative findings will give to evidence-based nursing practice. Furthermore, the concepts in this study encompass qualitative research and evidence-based practice.
Methods of study
The method of study utilized is qualitative research. It refers to an inquiry method which the research acts as the instrument of data collection. The research will attempt to provide answers to questions about why and how a particular phenomenon takes place. The intrigue of what a phenomenon is made up of also provides guidance to qualitative research.
Hypothesis
The most important assumption that under-lie qualitative research is that reality of a phenomenon is constructed socially by individuals.
The various methods of qualitative research include phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, and qualitative description. Each method assumes its own assumptions and purposes. An appropriate method is selected based on the research question. For example, a research investigating the occurrence of a phenomenon would most likely select grounded theory. However, a researcher interested in the meaning of a phenomenon would use phenomenology. Regardless of the employed method, participants are enrolled basing on how familiar they are with the phenomenon being studied.
Research design, Sample and Procedures
In qualitative research, data is collected by a solitary mechanism or by combining three mechanisms. These mechanisms include carrying out interviews, reviewing a document or a photograph, and making observations. This data is then analyzed in an inductive manner using specific but rigorous techniques. Ultimately, it is organized in a manner that provides an answer to the research question fronted. Of importance is that objective of qualitative research is not to accumulate information but the information should lead to growth of understanding about how a particular phenomenon affects nursing.
Nature of qualitative research findings /Results of Study
Qualitative findings appear in research reports in varying ways depending on the method employed. The recommendation given by experts (Sandelowski and Kearney) is to categorize qualitative findings in terms of the knowledge they generate in-spite of the origin of methodology. Another categorization mechanism of qualitative findings put forward by Kearney is the one based on the degree of complexity and discovery. The assertion here is that the findings’ application as evidence in nursing practice is based on the categories they fall in.
Findings produced through application of existing sets of ideas to data without identification of new insights cannot serve as evidence. Findings comprised of descriptive categories serve as type of evidence that maps the previously unstudied experiences. Meaning findings portray themes that are linked as well as a researcher’s ideas of practice implications. Additionally, findings that fall under the category of depiction of experiential variation describe the essence of an experience, and also give portrayal of how that experience will vary depending on the existing context. Findings categorized as dense explanatory description are very important and are used to explain human behavior and they make choices. Findings falling in this category are readily practiced in nursing clinics.
Implications to nursing
For a CNSs who read qualitative research they stand a chance to gain insight into the behaviors, experiences, and needs of their patient population thus being informed how they can practice. Moreover, qualitative findings demonstrate conceptual, symbolic, and instrumental utility. Instrumental utilization refers to application of findings made into new forms for example clinical guidelines. Symbolic findings does result in a true change in practice but are used to make a position or practice legitimate. Conceptual utilization is minimal but leads to the way CNS things about providing care.
Additionally, qualitative findings have demonstrated instrumental usage resulting in changes in clinical communication practice leading to improved outcomes. Therefore, a CNS could ultimately apply qualitative findings to in the practice of nursing.
Qualitative findings demonstrate instrumental utility by refining quantitative research. Furthermore, qualitative methods can be used in investigation of unexpected quantitative results, or explain why their effectiveness does not equal their efficacy. Qualitative findings inform a CNS’ understanding of patients’ experiences, improving her ability to come up with tailored interventions for the individual patients thus improve patient outcomes. From the foregoing, the qualitative findings impact the practice and administration of nursing.
Ethical considerations
The study was not approved by any Institutional Review Board. It was only put together with the researchers and published in the journal. There is no clear-cut method of evaluating qualitative research. However, patient privacy was accorded the due protection. Essentially, there was ethical consideration in regards to the envisaged treatment.
Conclusion
It cannot be denied that qualitative methods of research have become a standard ways in which researchers generate knowledge that is important to practice of nursing. Due to this, CNSs are needed to familiarize themselves with this qualitative evidence and figure out how they can utilize it in nursing practice. Furthermore, the study illuminates the potential use of qualitative findings as evidence to be incorporated in nursing.
References
Sandelwoski M, Barroso J. Classifying the findings in qualitative studies. Qual Health Res. 2003; 13:905–923.
Sandelowski M. Using qualitative research. Qual Health Res. 2004; 14:1366–1386.
Kearney M. Levels and applications of qualitative research evidence. Res Nurs Health. 2001; 24:145–153.
