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Qualitative observation in a clinical setting: Challenges at end of life
Author(s) -
Bloomer Melissa J.,
Cross Wendy,
Endacott Ruth,
O'Connor Margaret,
Moss Cheryle
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2011.00653.x
Subject(s) - participant observation , observational study , qualitative research , ethnic group , nursing , end of life care , psychology , medicine , sociology , palliative care , social science , pathology , anthropology
This paper explores the methodological challenges associated with undertaking qualitative observation in the clinical setting at end of life. The authors reflect on their experiences of using non‐participant observation to explore the nursing care delivered to dying patients in acute hospital wards. The challenges of observation as a method, clearly defining the participant group and involving vulnerable populations, such as the dying patients and their families, will be discussed. Consideration is also given to defining and working within the observational field, the researchers' dual roles, cost versus benefit, impact of culture, religion and ethnicity, and the determination of research limits/boundaries, with reflections from the authors' own experiences used to exemplify the issues.