What methodology was used and how was it effective?

In order to investigate the different views and opinions that patients have in regards to patient- centered care, interpersonal interviews, a research methodology, was utilized. Interpersonal interviews were conducted in this phenomenological study in order to inquire about the “lived experience” or phenomena of patient’s experience of patient- centered care. This methodology ensured reliability and validity. Reliability was achieved through the interpersonal interview technique by using the same interview framework and the same researcher to conduct all of the interviews. This allowed the data that was being extracted to have consistency. All interviews were applied in a ‘coherent and consistent manner’ through the use of open and in depth discussions about the phenomena of patient centered care. This ensured validity and provided a further insight into the participant’s views of patient centered care. The interviews were accurately recorded and interpreted by two researchers separately to identify different meanings of the data. The methodology used was definitely effective, as it allowed data saturation to occur, which meant that no new themes were forthcoming and the data was repeating itself. This signified that all data that was required on the study of patient centered care was collected.

How is the study unbiased?

The study or phenomena of patient centered care appears to be unbiased. The concept of phenomenology encourages the researcher to put aside their “beliefs, experiences, biases and assumptions.” The researcher ensures that they are not imposing their own thoughts on the data. The researcher is not placing their own bias and opinions on the data, instead listening and describing the essence of the phenomena.

The study is also unbiased as two researchers independently interpreted the data, allowing more than one interpretation of the data. This means that two interpretations were formed in order to come to a conclusion, eliminating any possibility that the study has a bias interpretation of only one researcher.

How is insight into subject shown?

Insight into the phenomena of patient centered care is shown through the different themes that were identified by the researcher. Some of these include: being attentive, making an effort, connectedness and others based on care. This provides an in depth insight into the patients opinions and views of patient centered care. The themes that have been identified segregate the data well and allow it to be interpreted easier.

Insights are also provided through the direct quotations of the participants. It gives a greater insight into their thoughts and views of patient centered care and their lived experience. “

How appropriate is this study in relation to previous studies?
A phenomenological study is one without a hypothesis or precedent therefore it is a new study and insight to researchers. Previous phenomenological studies have shown that the duty of care is the most important aspect of their job. However, there is always the issue of the shortage of nurses and the fact that this may not allow them to provide the amount of care that they wish to.

Bassett, C. (2002). Nurses' and students' perceptions of care: a phenomenological study. Nursing Times, 98(34), 32 - 39.
This article is a phenomenological study based on nurses and students perceptions of care.

The article about patient centered care is appropriate in relation to this previous study as both articles give two perceptions in regards to care – it allows the different opinions in the therapeutic relationship to be compared. The same methodology was used, being interpersonal interviews, but this time the nurses were being interviewed. Some similar themes were identified from the other article. The same theme of supporting care arose. In the study of PCC, there was a regular mention of staff going “the extra mile.” This implies that the nurses were making the extra effort. The article based on nurse’s perceptions of care also included the theme of supporting care. The nurses and students claimed that it was “rewarding” making an effort beyond their required job. However, it was hard as the shortage of nurses meant that there was not always enough time to go the extra mile. The article on patient centered care is relevant as it shows changes in nursing care, as the article from 2002 states that it was more difficult to provide extra care, while the article in 2012 about PCC mentioned regularly that nurses really were going that extra mile. This shows a positive change in nursing care.

How is the sampling approach appropriate? How were reasons for choice of instrument explained?
The sampling technique is appropriate for the study. The specific technique utilized is non-probability sampling, which is the most effective type of sampling for convenience. The sample chosen was a non-random one and a convenient sample that is picked from a convenient location without considering how effective it represents the population. A sample was chosen from one ward at a large metropolitan hospital in South Australia. Quota sampling was also utilized as there was an exclusion criteria of patients that were under 18, suffering from confusion or dementia, terminally ill or had poor English language skills. Although the sample may be viewed as bias with its exclusion criteria and the fact that it doesn’t allow every element of the population to have an equal opportunity for selection, it was appropriate as it was convenient and only included participants that were able to provide a sufficient insight into patient centred care. Also, the sample only included participants that were expected to be discharged within 48 hours, as they were able to reflect on their experience of patient centred care. Since research is based on is a phenomenal case study, the sample, most importantly, must include patients who had a phenomena or “lived experience” of patient centred care. This is why the sample only includes these patients who were being discharged shortly, as they could provide a lived experience.

References

Bassett, C. (2002). Nurses' and students' perceptions of care: a phenomenological study.
Nursing Times, 98(34), 32 - 39.

Hawley, R. (2012). Lecture 4: Methods of Inquiry in Health Care: Sampling. Retrieved from ACU Learning Environment Online site: http://leo.acu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=288305

Marshall, A., Kitson, A., & Zeitz, K. (2012) Patients’ views of patient-centred care: a phenomenological case study in one surgical unit. Journal of Advanced
Nursing 00(0), 000–000. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.05965.x.