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Practitioner to researcher: reflections on the journey
1Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, School of Nursing, University of Nottingham, UK.
Nurse Researcher
|August 19, 2007
Summary
This study explores the methodological and ethical challenges of researching end-of-life care in an emergency department when the researcher is a familiar face to the staff. It examines how pre-existing relationships impact research validity and ethical considerations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Emergency Medicine Research
- Qualitative Research Ethics
Background:
- Researching sensitive topics like end-of-life care presents unique challenges.
- The researcher's pre-existing relationships within the emergency department setting are a key factor.
- Familiarity can influence both data collection and participant interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the methodological and ethical implications of conducting research as a 'familiar face' in an emergency department.
- To identify potential biases and challenges introduced by the researcher's existing relationships with staff.
- To provide insights into navigating these complexities in sensitive healthcare research.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative exploration of researcher's experiences and observations.
- Reflexive journaling and critical self-examination of the research process.
- Consideration of ethical frameworks in the context of established relationships.
Main Results:
- Familiarity can enhance rapport but may also lead to social desirability bias.
- Ethical considerations include informed consent, confidentiality, and potential for undue influence.
- Navigating these dynamics requires transparency and careful management of researcher-participant boundaries.
Conclusions:
- The 'familiar face' phenomenon necessitates a reflexive approach to research methodology and ethics.
- Strategies for mitigating bias and upholding ethical standards are crucial for valid and trustworthy findings.
- Further research is needed on researcher-participant relationships in sensitive emergency department studies.
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