Using qualitative methods in nursing research

Abstract

Over the two past decades, nursing researchers have contributed vast amounts of knowledge that have improved clinical practice and health outcomes immensely. One approach to research is through qualitative methods, which has recently gained much popularity within the discipline of nursing. Qualitative approaches to nursing research encourage the exploration and understanding of various clinical phenomena in an effort to develop strategies for intervention. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the benefits and usefulness of conducting qualitative research studies and to present an overview of four types of qualitative research methods frequently used in nursing.

Keywords

• Enfermería
• Investigación cualitativa
• Método etnoenfermero
• Método etnográfico
• Teoría fundamentada
• Fenomenología