Interpretive description: a viable methodological approach for nursing research

Abstract

Objective: To present a theoretical reflection about the origin and the assumptions of the "Interpretive Description" method, and to discuss its applicability in Nursing and Health research. Method: Theoretical-reflective study, based on articles and books published by proponent of this approach, as well as scientific articles in which the authors reported having used this method in their studies. Results: It was evidenced that the "Interpretive Description" arose from the need to generate a better understanding of clinical practices in Nursing. This approach has its roots in the methodological traditions of the Social Sciences, although it differs from them in terms of its excessive rigidity and essentially theoretical objectives. The proposed method has been applied in several studies either in Nursing as other areas of Health. Conclusion: The "Interpretive Description" is considered a feasible approach for the production of knowledge in Applied Sciences such as Nursing.

Determinants of an Evidence-Based Practice Environment: An Interpretive Description

“…The review of the transcripts was interspersed with strategic periods of immersion in the literature and internal documents as part of the process of synthesising, theorising, and conceptualising [11]. After a preliminary analysis was performed the initial themes and organising framework were discussed with participants and other key stakeholders [8] and their feedback was incorporated into further rounds of synthesising, theorising, and conceptualising [11].…”

“…The original aim was to gather the perspectives and experiences of nurses using the Iowa Model of EBP (Iowa Model) [7] to inform its introduction into other practice settings, particularly the lead authors home organisation in Australia. As with many interpretive descriptive studies, the focus of the research departed slightly from its original aim [8]. As a deeper understanding was gained the focus broadened to include all of the determinants of the EBP environment.…”

Special child, special mother: the sense of strength in mothers of children with congenital zika virus syndrome

“…21 The interpretive description is considered a methodological approach, which has contributed to the understanding on the human health and the experience of diseases that imply in consequences and has been used as a basis to support several Nursing studies. 22 The study was developed at the Specialized Rehabilitation Center (SRC) of Campina Grande/PB, that is a reference, in Paraíba, in the care of people with all types of disabilities, including children children with Congenital Zika Syndrome, having approximately 100 registered children, therefore, chosen as a research site. Currently, more than 2,800 people from 183 different municipalities are being cared.…”

Implementing high value back pain care in private physiotherapy in Australia: A qualitative evaluation of physiotherapists who participated in an “implementation to innovation” system

“…An electronic questionnaire (Appendix D) was circulated in December 2018 to complete data collection. In keeping with the interpretative descriptive design of the study, 27,28,38 the questionnaire utilized open questions that were developed during the early analysis phase of the study and were informed by the emerging development of themes. Two researchers (CG, PH) with experience in qualitative methods undertook the telephone interviews and discussion forums.…”

“…Emerging themes were shared between the research team and participants at workshops and discussion forums to ensure that interpretation of the themes were reflective of participants' expression, to co-construct the narrative between researchers and participants, and to allow an agile and continuous relationship between data collection and analysis. 38,39 Results…”