Qualitative Research Article Critique

Qualitative Research Article Critique



Qualitative Research Article Critique

Introduction

Nurses are the first in line to advocate for patients and their rights to receive quality health care services and to have adequate education in order to make appropriate decisions regarding personal health care choices. Qualitative researchers focus on the descriptions and deeper meaning associated with the data collected. Another way to define qualitative research is to describe it as a type of research that involves interpreting non-numerical data. In this report we analyzed the qualitative study report, " Having an abortion using mifepristone and home misoprostol: A qualitative analysis of women's experiences” by Fielding, Edmunds, & Schaff.

The Problem

In health care, it is important that the research data used to support clinical practices is legitimate. "Women faced with an unwanted pregnancy have to make the decision whether to terminate the pregnancy or carry to pregnancy to term. Women base their decision to have an abortion on their current life setting, even though having an abortion may conflict with their moral or religious beliefs"(Fielding et al, 2002). Regardless of their values and beliefs the decision is often difficult: many experience guilt, anger, anxiety, and fear (Fielding et al , 2002). According to Fielding et al (2002), women choose medical over surgical abortion because it is more natural, more private and less painful. The researchers wanted to understand whether women's perceptions change during the medical abortion process versus the surgical process.

Study Purpose

The study was conducted to determine specific needs and perceptions of patients undergoing medical abortion treatment versus the surgical abortion. The knowledge gained will provide clinicians with the ability to determine the criteria for candidates to choose this option.

Research Question

Two open-ended questions were used in an interview of clients in order to develop a more detailed understanding of how patients view induced medical abortions. This question is broad enough for a qualitative study because personal perceptions play an important role in decision making. Personal perceptions are also as individual as taste preferences can be.

Study Design

This study used the grounded theory approach. Grounded theory is the approach that attempts to develop a theory; however, the theory is seen to emerge from an observation of the situation in which the individuals are immersed (Oliver & Linkon, 2003). During this study the interviewers asked clients questions and observed their responses. This approach was used to permit "respondents to develop their own narratives in response to semi-structured questions.

Subjects and Setting

A non-probability sample of 43 participants in a clinical trial of abortion using medical means instead of surgical means completed two open-ended questionnaires about this method. Thirty women participated in in-depth interviews a few weeks following their abortion.

Data Collection Methods

Women that chose to participate were given questionnaires during each phase of the study. The questionnaire had two open-ended questions: "What feelings or concerns are you experiencing?" and "What does having this procedure mean to you?" Women returned their questionnaires in a sealed envelope" (Fielding et al, 2002). This method was appropriate to protect the patient's right ...