Changing emphasis in nursing research

There is a changing emphasis in nursing research towards qualitative studies rather than quantitative ones. Phenomenology as a research methodology has value in discovering the real needs of patients and clients which The Scope of Professional Practice (UKCC, 1992) suggests should be the aim of each registered practitioner. Phenomenology is closely linked to nursing's humanistic philosophy. Phenomenology has given nurses valuable insights into the patients' perspective on a range of health and hospitalisation issues. Nursing research should not be allowed to remain a cottage industry.