BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2 Qualitative Research Questions and Methods

Student Name

Capella University

BHA-FPX4010 Introduction to Health Care Research

Prof. Name:

Date

Qualitative Research Questions and Methodsv

Throughout this paper, I will formulate a qualitative research question. Next, I will identify relevant qualitative methodologies and strategies that will support answering my research question. Finally, I will explain the significance of targeted data collection within the overall research plan.

Part 1: Qualitative Research Question

Is it time to reevaluate how operating rooms across the United States conduct surgical timeout procedures? Each year, our health system experiences an increase in cases of surgical equipment being inadvertently left behind in patients after invasive surgeries. Consequently, retained surgical items not only affect the hospital’s reputation but also lead to increased malpractice claims and pose health risks to patients over time (Pyrek, 2017).

Part 2: Qualitative Methods and Data Collection

Qualitative research is a systematic approach aimed at understanding social or cultural phenomena. It evaluates the experiences and perspectives of participants involved in the study (Choo et al., 2015). Dodgson (2017) describes qualitative research as primarily an inductive process of organizing data, which enables researchers to gain insights into how various elements relate to one another and to understand the world from the perspectives of others. There are four common types of qualitative research methodologies: Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, and Case Study (Bradshaw, Atkinson, & Doody, 2017).

The first qualitative research methodology is Phenomenology. This method seeks to describe a phenomenon by exploring it from the perspective of those who have experienced it (Hammarberg, Kirkman, & de Lacey, 2016). Originating from psychology and philosophy, the goal of phenomenology is to articulate the meaning of experiences in terms of what was experienced and how it was experienced. This approach allows researchers to delve into encounters, thoughts, and feelings, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of the underlying meanings behind human behavior. Dodgson (2017) recommends conducting in-depth, intimate conversations or interviews to gain insights into individuals’ life experiences.

BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2 Qualitative Research Questions and Methods

The second qualitative research methodology is Grounded Theory. This approach allows theories to emerge from the data collected (Singh & Estefan, 2018). Grounded theory research follows a systematic process of data gathering, coding, and drawing connections to discover outcomes without preconceived notions. In contrast to Phenomenology, Grounded Theory focuses on generating genuinely new experiences that contribute to the development of new theories (Singh & Estefan, 2018).

The third qualitative research methodology is Ethnographic Research. This type of research aims to understand cultures, groups, organizations, and communities by observing participants in their natural environments over time (Chawla & Jones, 2017). Originating from anthropology, researchers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the environment to better observe the perceptions, behaviors, and social interactions of participants within the group (Dodgson, 2017). An example of ethnographic research could involve examining the interactions between healthcare providers and incarcerated individuals when health services are offered in correctional facilities (Chawla & Jones, 2017).

The fourth qualitative research methodology is Case Study. This model provides a detailed examination of specific subjects, which can include businesses, communities, or organizations (Rashid et al., 2019). Data is gathered from various sources and synthesized to draw broader conclusions. Businesses often utilize case studies to demonstrate how their solutions address specific problems for clients (Rashid et al., 2019).

Qualitative Data Collection Strategies

The strategies used to collect qualitative data include interviews, focus groups, and observations. Each strategy has its unique benefits and limitations, but all aim to obtain specific data. When applied effectively, these data collection tools can provide chronological records, identify causal relationships, and guide researchers toward expected solutions (Billups, 2020).

Interviews are a strategy for collecting data through direct face-to-face interactions with interviewees. One advantage of this qualitative data strategy is that it allows researchers to uncover detailed insights beyond what respondents verbally disclose, including nonverbal cues (Billups, 2020).

Disadvantages of interviews heavily depend on the thorough training and skills of the interviewers. If interviewers ask questions that do not elicit the desired responses, it can lead to incomplete or inaccurate data, ultimately compromising the research’s integrity (Groenland & Leo Paul Dana, 2019). Focus groups are designed to gain an understanding of participants’ opinions, views, and perceptions regarding specific concepts and ideas. They are often utilized during both the early and later stages of research to gauge participants’ perceptions and understand the impact of changes that have been implemented (Billups, 2020). One advantage of focus groups is that they allow researchers to view multiple perspectives and develop a balanced viewpoint on the issue at hand. However, a significant disadvantage is the potential lack of honesty among participants. Individuals may hesitate to express their true opinions, especially if they conflict with those of other group members. Therefore, moderators must be vigilant in encouraging open and honest dialogue among participants (Billups, 2020).

BHA FPX 4010 Assessment 2 Qualitative Research Questions and Methods

Observation is one of the most commonly used qualitative data collection strategies across various research fields. This method seeks to understand what people think and do by observing them in action as they express themselves in different situations and activities (Smit & Onwuegbuzie, 2018). The goal of observation is to uncover important interactions between naturally occurring events and to investigate the facts surrounding those events. Sutton (2015) explains that effective observation requires accurate monitoring to determine when a phenomenon occurs, ensuring that natural cause-and-effect relationships are recorded for precise conclusions. The advantages of observation include its unstructured, flexible, and natural setting, which can be used in conjunction with other data collection methods. However, a notable disadvantage is the potential for the Hawthorne effect, where participants alter their behavior because they are aware they are being observed (Groenland & Leo Paul Dana, 2019).

Targeted Data

Incorporating targeted data collection into a research plan helps identify relevant information associated with the research question. This approach eliminates unrelated material, allowing researchers to focus on pertinent indicators and reducing the risk of skewed outcomes. My research question specifically addresses whether surgical timeout and instrument count procedures in healthcare operating rooms need modification to decrease the incidence of retained surgical items in patients post-surgery. The hospital-acquired condition I have selected necessitates a strategic approach that involves immersive observation of daily operations within a hospital’s surgical department. The qualitative strategies and tools required to achieve this will include both observation and interviewing techniques. I believe that the healthcare setting will be receptive to qualitative research inquiries and observational approaches. The primary goal of healthcare is to provide optimal care for all patients and to discover innovative methods for improving that process. To alleviate any concerns or doubts, I will maintain transparency with all participants and emphasize that all findings are aimed at enhancing patient care and safety.

References

Billups, F. (2020). Qualitative Data Collection Tools. SAGE. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/qualitative-data-collection-tools/book262966

Bradshaw, C., Atkinson, S., & Doody, O. (2017). Employing a Qualitative Description Approach in Health Care Research. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 4. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393617742282

Chawla, D., & Jones, R. M. (2017). Ethnography/Ethnographic Methods. The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118901731.iecrm0090

Choo, E. K., Garro, A. C., Ranney, M. L., & Meisel, Z. F. (2015). Qualitative Research in Emergency Care Part I: Research Principles and Common Applications. Academic Emergency Medicine Journal, 22(9), 1096–1102. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.12736

Dodgson, J. E. (2017). About Research: Qualitative Methodologies. SAGE, 33(2), 355–358. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334417698693

Groenland, E., & Leo Paul Dana. (2019). Qualitative Methodologies and Data Collection Methods: Toward Increased Rigor in Management Research. World Scientific.

Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M., & de Lacey, S. (2016). Qualitative research methods: when to use them and how to judge them. Oxford Academic, 31(3), 498–501. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dev334