Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: A Qualitative Research
School
United States International University (USIU - Africa)**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
NURS 224
Subject
Nursing
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
5
Uploaded by GrandSheepMaster187
Week 9 Discussion: Using Qualitative Research to Inform Evidence-Based PracticeDoctor of Nursing Practice, Walden UniversityStudent nameNURS Foundations and Essentials for the Doctor of Nursing PracticeInstructor NameMonth, Day, Year(enter the date submitted to instructor)
Week 9 Discussion: Using Qualitative Research to Inform Evidence-Based PracticeAs a nurse working in the neuroscience ICU, I would like to understand how traumatic patients cope post-injury, thus, I seek to perform a qualitative study that delves into these issues to understand them better. The qualitative question to help me achieve this goal is below.Qualitative Research Question:How do persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) perceive and navigate daily life challenges post-injury?Rationale for Qualitative Research Design:A qualitative study design is the best place to dig into this issue of lived experiences of persons with TBI as it is detailed and it can help focus on understanding this phenomenon based on the patient's point of view. Traumatic brain injury is multifaceted as it affects the emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions of a person's life. Several qualitative methods can be employed to help unearth this issue.These methods include in-depth interviews and focus groups which can help explore the subjective experiences of survivors, thus gaining an understanding of their coping strategies, unique challenges, and needs. Moreover, there is adaptability and flexibility in the collection of data, which enables researchers to dig deeper into emergent nuances and themes overlooked by quantitative methods (Tenny, et al.., 2022). Additionally, TBI survivors may have many differentexperiences depending on the cause of the injury, which can be better explored using qualitative research methods.Ethical ConsiderationsOwing to the nature of the issue under discussion, several ethical considerations must be observed before and during the study. First, since the study will be dealing with human subjects,
it is essential to obtain informed consent from the participants (Gordon, 2020). Informed consent ensures that the participants understand fully what the study is about, any potential benefits and risks that may be occasioned by their participation, and their rights as study subjects. TBI may impair the cognitive ability of the samples hence, the researcher(s) should ensure that samples understand and provide informed consent at will. The researchers can use easy-to-understand language, use visual aids, or engage legally authorized custodians or representatives whenever possible (Gordon, 2020).The issue of anonymity and confidentiality should also be considered as the participants' privacy must be protected during this kind of research. The researcher needs to have modalities for ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information and the privacy of the samples when undertaking interviews or focus groups. Some ways privacy and confidentiality can be observed are through safe storage of data, allowing access of information to authorized persons only, and using pseudonyms.The samples' dignity and autonomy should also be observed and respected. Researchers should be sensitive and respectful of the participant's dignity and autonomy, by recognizing the possibility of TBI patients being vulnerable and making sure that the researchers are compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental to their participants. The researchers should engage the participant when making some decisions and respect the participant's right to get out of the study if they so wish with no repercussions (Gordon, 2020).Finally, the researchers should minimize any harm and distress to the participants as much as possible, during the entire study process. They can actualize this mandate through the provision of the needed resources, support services, debriefing, and monitoring of the samples/ emotional health throughout the study process.
ConclusionBy following these ethical considerations, researchers can conduct qualitative research onTBI in a way that is respectful, responsible, and ethically accepted understanding the lived experiences of individuals affected by this condition.
ReferencesGordon, B. G. (2020). Vulnerability in research: Basic ethical concepts and general approach to review. Oschner J., 20(1): 34–38, https://doi.org/10.31486%2Ftoj.19.0079.Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.Elsevier.Tenny, S., Brannan, J. M., & Brannan., G. D. (2022). Qualitative study. In I. Statpearls. Florida FL: StatPearls Publishing.