Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that aims to explain social phenomena, e.g. why particular motivations or patterns of behaviour occur, at a conceptual level. Developed in the 1960s by Glaser and Strauss, the methodology has been reinterpreted by Strauss and Corbin in more recent times, resulting in different schools of thought. Differences arise from different philosophical perspectives concerning knowledge (epistemology) and the nature of reality (ontology), demanding that researchers make clear theoretical choices at the commencement of their research when choosing this methodology. Compared to other qualitative methods it has ability to achieve understanding of, rather than simply describing, a social phenomenon. Achieving understanding however, requires theoretical sampling to choose interviewees that can contribute most to the research and understanding of the phenomenon, and constant comparison of interviews to evaluate the same event or process in different settings or situations. Sampling continues until conceptual saturation is reached, i.e. when no new concepts emerge from the data. Data analysis focusses on categorising data (finding the main elements of what is occurring and why), and describing those categories in terms of properties (conceptual characteristics that define the category and give meaning) and dimensions (the variations within properties which produce specificity and range). Ultimately a core category which theoretically explains how all other categories are linked together is developed from the data. While achieving theoretical abstraction in the core category, it should be logical and capture all of the variation within the data. Theory development requires understanding of the methodology not just working through a set of procedures. This article provides a basic overview, set in the literature surrounding grounded theory, for those wanting to increase their understanding and quality of research output.
BackgroundThe scope and roles of pharmacists worldwide are undergoing dramatic change. Patientfocused care aimed at caring for people that seek medical assistance in dying is among the newest roles. While pharmacists have been involved in medically assisted dying in some international jurisdictions for over two decades, little is known about their actual lived experiences.
ObjectiveTo map the literature concerning pharmacy practice in the assisted dying domain to clarify apparent research gaps.
MethodsA mapping review was preformed following a systematic search of Medline, CINAHL and IPA to locate academic papers and reports relating to pharmacists' involvement in assisted dying published between 1990 and 2019. Searches included articles in English, French, and Dutch. References and citations of articles were searched to identify additional articles.
ResultsA total of 43 articles were selected, including commentaries (n=26), reports (n=2), a scoping literature review (n=1), and empirical studies (n=14). Most commentaries centered on pharmacists' roles, ethico-legal and moral challenges, and educational concerns in relation to participation. Of the 14 empirical studies, 12 studies were designed around surveys that focused on pharmacists' attitudes, and opinions concerning assisted dying. Other methodologies included thematic analysis of moral dilemmas, experimental design identifying attitudes to sedation at end of life, and analysis of documents such as guidelines, position statements, and standards of practice.
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