BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2 Qualitative Research Questions and Methods

• BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2

Introduction

The initial and often most challenging step in qualitative research involves selecting a study topic and developing a research question based on it. Researchers typically begin with a broad subject and narrow it down into a focused research problem that qualitative techniques can address.

In healthcare, qualitative research is vital for identifying challenges and barriers to improvement. For instance, understanding patient choices in anti-hypertensive medications can reveal underlying behaviors and preferences. The research question for this assessment is: “How can pressure sores among elderly patients be prevented due to lack of movement or specific lying positions after abdominal surgery?”

This question highlights the importance of qualitative methodologies in uncovering insights into complications like pressure sores, which can result from surgery. Proper pre-and post-surgical care is critical to minimizing the risks of such complications (Getie et al., 2020). As emphasized in BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2, qualitative methods provide a structured way to gather and analyze data for such healthcare issues.

Qualitative Methodology

Methods for Identifying Problems

Qualitative research employs various methods to understand complex problems and derive meaningful solutions. These approaches enable researchers to gather information directly from target groups, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Below are some of the most commonly used qualitative research methods:

1. Ethnographic Method: This method involves immersing the researcher in the environment or group being studied to understand their culture, issues, and objectives. It is beneficial for exploring behaviors and social dynamics without preconceived hypotheses.
2. Narrative Research Approach: This method focuses on collecting data through stories over time. It helps researchers understand the sequence of events and the context behind individual experiences, making it applicable in business and healthcare settings.
3. Phenomenological Approach: This approach studies phenomena such as emotions, experiences, or events to provide in-depth insights from multiple perspectives. It emphasizes individual experiences, which can enrich the understanding of healthcare challenges.
4. Grounded Theory: Grounded theory is used to develop new theories or explanations based on collected data. This approach is instrumental in generating hypotheses about phenomena through systematic evidence gathering.
5. Case Study: A case study focuses on an in-depth examination of a specific event, organization, or individual over time. This method is particularly relevant for studying real-world healthcare issues, such as pressure sore prevention.
6. Historical Approach: This method uses past events to understand present circumstances and anticipate future challenges. It evaluates historical data to uncover trends and implications for current practices (Ngozwana, 2018).

Application to Healthcare

A case study approach is especially relevant to complex healthcare research questions like pressure sores. By examining real-life scenarios, researchers can identify factors influencing outcomes, such as patient movement, therapeutic interventions, and decision-making in nursing care.

Qualitative Data Collection Strategies

Primary Data Collection

Primary data involves gathering information directly from participants for a specific study. The following techniques are commonly used:

1. Interviews: Structured, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews are widely used to collect qualitative data. These conversations enable researchers to explore participant behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions in depth.
2. Surveys and Questionnaires: These tools include a mix of open- and closed-ended questions to evaluate responses. Guided dialogues or subject guides are particularly effective for in-depth discussions.
3. Observations and Focus Groups: Observations capture participant behaviors and traits in natural settings. Focus groups, typically comprising 10 to 18 participants, allow researchers to analyze collective opinions and insights (Thambinathan & Kinsella, 2021).

Secondary Data Collection

Secondary data refers to information previously collected and readily available from sources like books, journals, and online databases. It is cost-effective and reliable for supplementing primary data. Secondary data is categorized as:

• Internal Data: Information from the organization being studied.
• External Data: Data from external sources like government reports, magazines, and academic literature.

For BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2, primary data will be collected through interviews to address the research question on pressure sores. Participants will provide consent, and the purpose of the study will be clearly explained to ensure transparency and encourage open responses (Dechasa et al., 2021).

Importance of Targeted Data Collection

Targeted data collection helps address specific healthcare challenges. By focusing on relevant data, researchers can identify more minor issues that contribute to more significant problems. For example, understanding the timing and intensity of complications during abdominal surgeries can help healthcare facilities implement targeted interventions (Lavallée et al., 2018).

As part of BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2, targeted questions will be developed to help elderly patients accurately recall their experiences. This approach minimizes errors and ensures that collected data is meaningful for analysis.

Importance and Challenges of Interviews

Advantages of Interviews

Interviews allow researchers to gather direct, original data from participants. Structured interviews enable large-scale data collection, while unstructured interviews provide flexibility for exploring deeper insights. This method also ensures better response rates compared to surveys, particularly for populations with varying literacy levels.

Challenges in Conducting Interviews

Interviews can be time-consuming and expensive. They may also introduce bias, as respondent answers might be influenced by the interviewer’s perceived attributes, such as race, class, or age. Additionally, interviews provide less anonymity, which can be a concern for some participants (Thunberg & Arnell, 2021). Despite these challenges, interviews remain a vital tool for qualitative research, especially in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Qualitative research methods and data collection strategies are essential for addressing complex healthcare issues. By employing approaches such as interviews, case studies, and targeted data collection, researchers can uncover valuable insights to inform decision-making.

For BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2, these methods will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of pressure sore prevention in elderly patients after surgery. By focusing on primary and secondary data, this research can contribute to improved healthcare practices and patient outcomes.

Read more BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 1 Research problem and purpose statements about for complete information about this class.

References

Dechasa, D. B., Worku, T., Baraki, N., Merga, B. T., & Asfaw, H. (2021). Burnout and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of Harari region and Dire Dawa administration, eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 16(10), e0258224.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258224

Getie, A., Baylie, A., Bante, A., Geda, B., & Mesfin, F. (2020). Pressure ulcer prevention practices and associated factors among nurses in public hospitals of Harari regional state and Dire Dawa city administration, Eastern Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0243875.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243875

Lavallée, J. F., Gray, T. A., Dumville, J., & Cullum, N. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to preventing pressure ulcers in nursing home residents: A qualitative analysis informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 82, 79–89.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.12.015

‌Ngozwana, N. (2018). Ethical dilemmas in qualitative research methodology: Researcher’s reflections. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 4(1), 19–28.

https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.4.1.19

Pressure Ulcers Qualitative Research Critique – 2196 Words | Assessment Example. (n.d.). Free Essays.

https://ivypanda.com/essays/pressure-ulcers-and-their-treatment-qualitative-research-critique/ 

Thambinathan, V., & Kinsella, E. A. (2021). Decolonizing methodologies in qualitative research: Creating spaces for transformative praxis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20(2), 160940692110147.

https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069211014766

Thunberg, S., & Arnell, L. (2021). Pioneering the use of technologies in qualitative research – A research review of the use of digital interviews. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 1–12.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2021.1935565