Making use of unsolicited research data

Two hundred and fifty-one unsolicited comments, relating in general terms to the research subject, were recorded during the collection of data for the writers current research concerning the role of the psychiatric nurse. The paper demonstrates how such 'unofficial' comments may be used to further our understanding of the research process generally and of the research subject in particular. The comments are analysed and used to highlight a number of areas which are of concern to nurses, for example the difficulty which some respondents had with thinking about nursing activity in specific terms, and relating it to individual patients. The role of trade unions in the decision making process preceding, and following, entry to data collection sites is discussed. That lines of communication between the researcher, nurse administrators and trade unions be clarified is one of the recommendations made in this paper. Other recommendations include the proposal that, where possible, research respondents be given an opportunity to make general and specific comment relating to the research in which they are being asked to participate.