Participant observation as a research tool in a practice based profession.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Qualitative Research
• Healthcare Practice

Background:

• District nurses (DNs) possess significant experience and often hold degree-level qualifications.
• Despite extensive education, the evidence base supporting district nursing practice remains limited.
• Understanding the practical knowledge of DNs is crucial for enhancing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and uncover the knowledge base of experienced district nurses.
• To investigate the utility of participant observation as a research method in district nursing.
• To examine the specific knowledge applied during first assessment visits.

Main Methods:

• The study employed a personal account of participant observation.
• Experienced district nurses were the focus of the investigation.
• The research centered on the context of first assessment visits.

Main Results:

• Participant observation provided insights into the tacit knowledge of district nurses.
• The study identified key components of knowledge used in initial assessments.
• The findings underscore the complexity of district nursing practice.

Conclusions:

• Participant observation is a valuable method for understanding complex nursing practice.
• Further research is needed to build a robust evidence base for district nursing.
• Recognizing and supporting the knowledge of experienced DNs is essential.