Narrative research methods with vulnerable people: sharing insights.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Qualitative Methodology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Hereditary illnesses present unique challenges for families, requiring sensitive nursing understanding.
• A Maori family in New Zealand with a gastric cancer predisposition participated in research exploring their healthcare journey.
• The family's vulnerability necessitated an inclusive and respectful research methodology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share insights gained from employing narrative research with a vulnerable family group.
• To highlight the benefits of narrative inquiry in understanding complex family health experiences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized narrative research, chosen for its alignment with nursing values and ability to reduce power imbalances.
• Employed strategies such as cultural humility, conversational cues, and an empathic stance.
• Focused on collaborative data collection and meticulous safe-keeping of personal stories.

Main Results:

• Narrative research facilitates openness and exploration of a wide range of experiences.
• The methodology fosters a collaborative environment, respecting the ownership of participants' stories.
• This approach can generate compelling lessons with change-making potential for healthcare.

Conclusions:

• Narrative research is a suitable methodology for nurses studying vulnerable populations.
• Recounting personal health stories can aid participants in healing, adaptation, and coping with illness.
• This research can generate new knowledge about illness, recovery, and nursing care, fostering empathy and driving change.