Qualitative Research in Health Design

Abstract

J ust as all facility designs are not the same, research designs also differ depending on the purpose of the study, availability of previous evidence on a topic, and the desired outcome of the data. Unfortunately, qualitative research is frequently misunderstood, because those not familiar with the research method believe it to be of a lesser quality than quantitative study design, considering that sample size, data analysis methods, and even goals for generalizability are different than quantitative research. Qualitative research is a very robust and important research method to be used when little information exists about a subject, there are few instruments to measure the phenomena of interest, or when the research really aims to understand the participants' perspective. Qualitative research can be defined as a form of social inquiry that aims to understand how people interpret the environment in which they live, work, or receive care (Atkinson, Coffey, & Delamont, 2001). A variety of approaches exist in qualitative research and many share the same purpose-to comprehend, describe, and interpret different phenomena as perceived by individuals, groups, and cultures. Researchers in different fields, including ethnography, sociology, education, nursing, and marketing, regularly use qualitative approaches to explore how people understand and interact with the social world. Qualitative approaches are useful in the exploration of change or conflict and because of

Adversity of prolonged extreme cold exposure among adult clients diagnosed with coronary artery diseases: a primer for recommending community health nursing intervention

“…This study explored through collecting and examining the people's comprehensive description, perception and interpretation regarding the nature of lived experiences in a certain phenomenon (Ingham‐Broomfield, ; Sampa, ). The approach was initially broad focused and process oriented in gathering accurate and rich information (Malagon‐Maldonado, ).…”

“…The researchers utilized individual face‐to‐face interviews and observations with 30 informants (see Table ) in investigating, exploring and gathering data on the lived experiences of the CAD‐diagnosed clients (Ingham‐Broomfield, ; Sampa, ). This serves as a research behavioural tool to encourage the people to express own feelings and individual perceptions (Malagon‐Maldonado, ).…”

“…Informants were individually traced with the help of barangay health worker. Structured interview was performed where responses and relative insights of the informants were jotted down; likewise, it was recorded with permission to ensure data accuracy (Malagon‐Maldonado, ).…”

“…The researchers built a trusting relationship, constant communication and member checking through the process of the study specifically in data interpretation and analysis. These were to achieve consistency, truthfulness and accuracy of the information (Malagon‐Maldonado, ).…”

Factors Contributing to the Success of Ethnic Restaurant Businesses in Canada

“…Examination of the physical artifacts is a way to access data, which is not available in the interview [54].…”