Phenomenology for the Holistic Nurse Researcher: Underpinnings of Descriptive and Interpretive Traditions

Abstract

Phenomenological research is increasing in popularity in nursing research for good reason. The qualitative research method allows an in-depth exploration of patient lived experience. This knowledge has the potential to enhance quality of holistic patient care. To undertake this method of inquiry, however, it is imperative that holistic nurse researchers understand the philosophical underpinnings of the method and are familiar with the two major types of phenomenology in order to approach the study in a scholarly manner. The purpose of this article is to explicate the method’s historical roots of phenomenology, its evolution, its two major traditions and their differences, and some of the specialized terminology unique to phenomenology’s jargon so that their studies can contribute to sound nursing science and complete patient care.

Lived experiences of Palestinian patients with COVID-19: a multi-center descriptive phenomenological study of recovery journey

“…Infection with COVID-19 is a new phenomenon that Palestinian patients have experienced for the first time. In nursing research, descriptive phenomenological approaches are commonly used to describe lived human experiences and explore perspectives of the interviewees with regard to a phenomenon of interest [ 23 , 24 ]. In this study, the phenomenon of interest was lived experiences of Palestinian patients while being isolated as a result of infection with COVID-19.…”

Integrative Nursing and Omaha System–Based Nursing Care Interventions in Older Women Feeling Loneliness (INOSEL): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In addition, it may be possible to implement evidencebased interventions to reduce the loneliness of the elderly, increase their social inclusion, and improve their health and well-being (American Holistic Nurses Association, 2019). With holistic nursing practice, which includes bio-psychosocial-cultural-spiritual evaluation of the individual, a care can be provided in a theoretical framework using integrative nursing principles and the Omaha System (Patton, 2019).…”

The development of self skills in an authentic learning environment: A qualitative study

“…Neither of these two colleagues took part in nor assisted with the interviews, thus, were not involved in the research. During the interviews, the researcher did not bring any of her preconceived ideas as one question was posed to all participants, and only probed and paraphrased their responses as well as sought understanding through asking a question: ‘What does … mean?’ Therefore, no questions relating to the researcher’s own experiences, knowledge or preconceived ideas were posed (Kim et al 2020 ; Patton 2020 ). The researcher also took field notes, which included methodological, theoretical, observational and personal notes (in the form of the reflective diary).…”