The Livedqualitative Research : Critique . Experience of Having a Chronic Wound
Running head: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE
Qualitative Research Critique
The Lived Experience of Having a Chronic Wound: A Phenomenologic Study
Katelyn Adams
Nursing Theory and Research 390
October 12, 2006
Running head: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE
Problem Statement: In my qualitative evaluation of The Lived Experience of Having a Chronic Wound: A Phenomenologic Study, written by Janice Beitz and Earl Goldberg (2005), I found that the need or rationale for this particular study, as do most qualitative research papers, focused on how or what, as opposed to quantitative studies that focus on asking why? The problem statement is: “Approximately 2 million people have venous ulcers. In addition, between 1 and 2 million diabetics have neuropathic foot ulcers. In total, venous, arterial and neuropathic ulcers may affect as many as 5 million older Americans. Consequently, the need to investigate the chronic wound experience has become even more compelling. Given the projected increase in the number of elders, and individuals with diabetes health care provider need to understand the chronic wound experience” (p.51-52). Purpose: The primary purpose of this phenomenologic study is to explore and describe the patient’s experience of living with a chronic nonhealing wound. The secondary purpose is to provide knowledge and understanding of the experience for health care providers (Beitz & Goldberg, 2005). Both purposes of the study were clearly articulated. Research Question(s): The research questions that were explored and investigated by Beitz and Goldberg’s study (2005) included: “What is the experience living with a chronic, nonhealing wound like?” and “What are the meanings and essences of the phenomenon” (p.52)? Study Framework: “Phenomenology has been described as the study of essences, a philosophy that puts essences back into existence (Bruns & Grove, 2001). It is also
Qualitative Research Critique
The Lived Experience of Having a Chronic Wound: A Phenomenologic Study
Katelyn Adams
Nursing Theory and Research 390
October 12, 2006
Running head: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE
Problem Statement: In my qualitative evaluation of The Lived Experience of Having a Chronic Wound: A Phenomenologic Study, written by Janice Beitz and Earl Goldberg (2005), I found that the need or rationale for this particular study, as do most qualitative research papers, focused on how or what, as opposed to quantitative studies that focus on asking why? The problem statement is: “Approximately 2 million people have venous ulcers. In addition, between 1 and 2 million diabetics have neuropathic foot ulcers. In total, venous, arterial and neuropathic ulcers may affect as many as 5 million older Americans. Consequently, the need to investigate the chronic wound experience has become even more compelling. Given the projected increase in the number of elders, and individuals with diabetes health care provider need to understand the chronic wound experience” (p.51-52). Purpose: The primary purpose of this phenomenologic study is to explore and describe the patient’s experience of living with a chronic nonhealing wound. The secondary purpose is to provide knowledge and understanding of the experience for health care providers (Beitz & Goldberg, 2005). Both purposes of the study were clearly articulated. Research Question(s): The research questions that were explored and investigated by Beitz and Goldberg’s study (2005) included: “What is the experience living with a chronic, nonhealing wound like?” and “What are the meanings and essences of the phenomenon” (p.52)? Study Framework: “Phenomenology has been described as the study of essences, a philosophy that puts essences back into existence (Bruns & Grove, 2001). It is also
References: Beitz, J. & Goldberg, E. (2005). The lived experience of having a chronic wound: A phenomenologic study. Medsurg Nursing, 14 (1), 51-60. Burns, N. & Grove, S. (2001). The practice of nursing research (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders. Burns, N. & Grove, S. (2003). Understanding nursing research (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders. Colaizzi, P. (1978). Existential phenomenological alternatives for psychology. New York: Oxford University Press. Melnyk, B. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2005). Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.