Use of qualitative Research in Clinical Practice
Qualitative research is important in nursing. It refers to ideas and principles that researchers use to base their procedures and practices(Hall, 2016). As for nurses they use this research to scientifically investigate, analyze, and add on to their knowledge(Allen, 2007). However, qualitative research use is dependent on an individual nurse as they decide on when to use it.
As a caregiver, I would use qualitative research when caring for preterm babies(Pohlman, 2009). The clinic uses machinesto keep them alive, which is a devastating experience for the dads. It denies them the opportunity to be there for their childrendue to the technology. Allowing the parents to care for them without the use of machines would result in death. Therefore, the infants need to be cared for with caution even when handling the machines since this would comfort the fathers(Pohlman, When Worlds Collide: The Meanings of Work and Fathering Among Fathers of Premature Infants, 2003).
In addition, I would use exploratory research when taking care of patients with chronic illnesses. These diseasesare painful and devastating to the patient, and continued administration of drugs would not cure them. Therefore, it is more prudent to manage the symptoms other than an attempt to treat the ailment. Continued treatment of leg ulceration(Allen, 2007),did not cure the illnesses, but the management of the symptoms prolonged life.
Development of anexcellent end of life care requires the use of qualitative research. An individual’s life is dependent on the attention that they receive. Quality care increases the quality of life and significantly reduces the quality of dying(Allen, 2007).Entwining of Life, death and care mean that they depend on each other.
All in all qualitative research provides us with important information on the best methodology to follow. This aids in making clinical decisions and planning on the best care of the patients(Hall, 2016). Therefore, qualitative synthesis is important in the daily practice of a caregiver.
References
Allen, M. (2007). Synthesis of Qualitative Research and evidence-based Nursing. British Journal of Nursing, 616- 620.
Hall, A. (2016). Qualitative Research and its Role in Nursing Knowledge. Nursing Times, 32- 35.
Pohlman, S. (2003). When Worlds Collide: The Meanings of Work and Fathering Among Fathers of Premature Infants. St. Louis: Saint Loius University Press.
Pohlman, S. (2009). Pohlman S,; Fathering premature infants and the technological imperative of the neonatal intensive care unit;an interpretive inquiry. Advances in Nursing Science, E1-E16.
