Being an Insider Nurse Researcher: Navigating the Challenges and Benefits to Ensure Rigour

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Qualitative Research Methodology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Insider research, where the researcher has a pre-existing relationship with participants, presents unique opportunities and challenges.
• In nursing, insider researchers can leverage established therapeutic relationships for deeper participant understanding.
• However, insider roles can introduce subjectivity, bias, and role conflicts that must be actively managed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the advantages and disadvantages of conducting insider nurse research within a case study framework.
• To detail strategies for upholding research rigor and trustworthiness when acting as an insider researcher.
• To evaluate a nurse-led supportive care model for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients and their caregivers.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach employing an insider research methodology.
• Utilized reflexive techniques, including journaling and academic supervision, to mitigate researcher subjectivity.
• Maintained ethical integrity through informed consent and confidentiality protocols.

Main Results:

• Insider research provided profound insights into the nurse-led supportive care model due to established therapeutic relationships.
• Potential challenges included assumptions, role conflicts, and a bias towards positive participant responses.
• Reflexive practices and managing established relationships were key to navigating these challenges.

Conclusions:

• Insider nurse research effectively evaluated the supportive care model, yielding valuable patient and caregiver perspectives.
• Maintaining ethical standards and employing reflexive techniques are essential for balancing insider roles and mitigating bias.
• The study offers practical guidance for nurse researchers on enhancing the quality and trustworthiness of insider research.