Peculiarities of using qualitative methods of research in healthcare, especially in public health and nursing

Abstract

Summary. Qualitative methods in health care are effective scientific resources that present practical strategies and methods for using qualitative research and include the basic logic and justification of research results for making quality research decisions. The qualitative research methodology allows researchers to study social and behavioral issues related to public health and nursing that cannot be achieved by quantitative methods. Key aspects of the qualitative research methodology include the selection and description of the problem, the formulation of the main issue and areas of work, the recruitment of participants, and compliance with the correct process of data analysis and presentation of results for publication. The aim of the study ‒ to consider the features of the use of various qualitative research methods in health care, in particular, in public health and in nursing. Materials and Methods. The analysis of available information resources of the Internet, foreign professional publications, and medical database MEDLINE/PubMed for the last five years is carried out. The method of information search and analytical-comparative method is applied. Results. Qualitative research is indispensable in some areas, as it provides an opportunity to determine the significance of the disease for patients and its impact on their quality of life. They are also often richer in terms of know­ledge of social and personal experiences. Despite certain shortcomings of qualitative research, they are unique and allow solving scientific problems in health care, in particular, in public health and in nursing, which cannot be solved by using methods of quantitative research. Conclusions. Qualitative research is playing an important role in medicine, public health and nursing and is becoming increasingly important. Qualitative research in the field of nursing mainly concerns the life experience of patients and nurses. To acquire professional competencies, it is advisable to use better research methods in the educational process in the training of health professionals, including masters of public health and nursing

Keywords

• quality research methods
• expert evaluation method
• health care
• public health
• nursing