A Practical Example of How to Apply Constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology: Exploring Patient Experiences During...

Area of Science:

• Paramedicine
• Qualitative Research
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Understanding patient experience in paramedic-led healthcare is crucial.
• Grounded Theory (GT) is a rigorous qualitative method for exploring healthcare social processes.
• GT is underutilized in paramedicine research due to perceived complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical example of applying Kathy Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory (GTc) in paramedicine research.
• To demystify the GTc process for researchers in paramedicine and health disciplines.
• To enhance the rigor, trustworthiness, and credibility of qualitative GTc research.

Main Methods:

• Employed constructivist grounded theory (GTc) methodology.
• Conducted individual interviews with patients experiencing non-conveyance care by paramedics.
• Focused on understanding patient experiences during paramedic-led healthcare encounters.

Main Results:

• Successfully applied GTc to explore patient experiences in non-conveyance situations.
• Demonstrated practical application of GTc tenets in paramedicine research.
• Provided insights into maintaining trustworthiness and credibility in GTc studies.

Conclusions:

• Constructivist grounded theory (GTc) is a viable and rigorous methodology for paramedicine research.
• This article offers a practical framework for applying GTc to patient experience studies.
• Demystifying GTc can encourage its wider adoption in health research, improving study quality.