Qualitative longitudinal studies in the context of Palliative Care - methodological, ethical and psychosocial aspects

Background: Qualitative longitudinal studies (QLS) are beneficial for research in Palliative Care though there is little methodological discourse of the approach in nursing science. Aim of this paper is to highlight methodological, ethical, and psychosocial aspects, raised by using a qualitative longitudinal design in Palliative Care. Method: Based on a PhD study with family carers in palliative home care, experiences with the development and realization of a QLS were reflected and analysed. A literature analysis linked the experiences to the current state of research. Results: Methodological challenges were those of time and timing of interviews, which leaded finally to flexible interview intervals with the carers. Flexibility and building relationships with the carers minimized attrition and increased data quality. This approach and further ethical implications leaded to a high degree of ethical responsibility, as well as emotional challenges for the researcher. Conclusion: The results illustrate and reflect several implications of QLS in the research field of Palliative Care. They highlight framework conditions needed to develop research of high quality in this context.