Using Grounded Theory Method to Capture and Analyze Health Care Experiences

Area of Science:

• Qualitative research methodology
• Health services research
• Grounded theory applications

Background:

• Grounded theory (GT) is a recognized qualitative method.
• Limited literature exists on GT for health care user/provider experiences.
• GT can inform the entire study or just data analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the benefits, limits, and core principles of GT in health care research.
• To provide guidance on applying GT to user and provider experiences.
• To discuss GT's utility for studying hard-to-reach populations.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing key GT components and procedures.
• Drawing on practical experience from a GT study on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient experiences.
• Analyzing the applicability of different GT approaches.

Main Results:

• Certain GT approaches are more effective for hard-to-reach populations.
• GT procedures offer flexibility in developing theories of health care engagement.
• GT facilitates the understanding of complex health care journeys.

Conclusions:

• Grounded theory is a powerful tool for understanding health care experiences.
• GT is particularly valuable for novel or understudied topics.
• GT enhances the structure and rigor of qualitative data analysis.