The increasing credibility of qualitative approaches for research in nursing has opened up new debates about methodology and rigour. Traditionally, qualitative methods have been scrutinized using some criteria that are more pertinent for quantitative research. The transition to a more subjective, reflexive approach to nursing research may be painful, but brings benefits. With the loss of scientific rigour comes the gain of eliciting true meaning, by recreating the experiences of others through co-operative enquiry. An openly subjective approach allows the researcher to be a real partner with informants, and to openly use her own experiences and reflections in order to uncover valuable meaning and to find a different type of objectivity. This paper explores some of the issues that are of concern and some of the benefits that may result from an openly subjective approach in qualitative nursing research.

Aim:Understanding patients’ hypertension (HTN) symptoms can assist healthcare professionals’ awareness of individual, cultural, and behavioral responses and improve diagnostic accuracy to optimize treatment. The purpose of this review was to evaluate and synthesize current literature exploring HTN symptoms.Methods:Databases searched included MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2010 to January 2022. The search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The McMaster critical review forms were used to determine the quality of both qualitative and quantitative articles. Synthesis of the data was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Convergent Integrated Approach to Mixed Study Systematic Reviews.Results:In total, 41 articles were included, nine qualitative studies and 32 quantitative. The quality of the articles varied. Symptoms included commonly reported symptoms and some less prevalent, including some reporting absence of symptoms. Factors that affected symptoms included culture, beliefs, psychosocial factors, and knowledge. We also found that there may be a bidirectional relationship between symptoms and behaviors that may lead to self-management.Conclusion:HTN is common and symptoms are frequently reported. HTN management is related to multiple factors. Symptoms continue in a number of individuals after initial diagnosis. Evaluating symptoms after initial diagnosis may help to optimally manage and meet blood pressure guidelines.

The dilemma over whether patients should be involved in resuscitation decisions is a crucial issue as it brings into question some of the fundamental principles on which we base our practice. Nurses have a vital role to play in protecting patients' autonomy.

BackgroundEcomaps are tools used in nursing practice to assess families' social support systems. Whilst ecomaps have previously been used effectively within qualitative research, little attention has been given to them as a tool within the methodological approach of hermeneutic phenomenology. AimTo demonstrate that the use of ecomaps is congruent with the Heideggerian philosophical foundations associated with hermeneutic phenomenology. Reflecting on a study where ecomaps were used to explore how parents of children with cancer are supported with decision-making about their child's care, this paper demonstrates how ecomaps can illuminate nurses' understanding about the experiences of patients and families. DiscussionExploration of the Heideggerian concepts of 'being-in-the-world', 'being-with', and 'temporality' prompted reflections about how constructing ecomaps furthers understanding about participants' unique contexts. Using an ecomap within an in-depth interview enabled participants to return to their experiences of being supported with decision-making, and further developed the researcher's understanding about how each participant's experience was situated within their evolving relationships with others. ConclusionConstructing ecomaps within hermeneutic phenomenology is in tune with Heideggerian philosophical concepts. Ecomaps can open a door to participants' experiences and, combined with understanding of philosophical concepts, can deepen the researcher's understanding and find further meaning in participants' experiences.