Qualitative research: a challenging paradigm for infection control

Abstract

he importance of high-quality research to address our knowledge deficits in relation to the causes of hospital-acquired infection has been acknowledged by the Department of Health. However, the contribution of nursing research may be restricted by confusion over the use of different paradigms and the discipline's lack of research pedigree. This paper discusses how nursing and infection control has historically favoured quantitative methods as they are associated with rigour, objectivity, generalisation and increased credibility. However, increasingly nurse researchers are turning to qualitative methods as they better explain the complex behavioural issues that affect practice. The paper describes a number of qualitative methods and infection control studies that have adopted these approaches. It concludes by suggesting that infection control nurses, because of their close relationship with practice are well placed to consider the merits of qualitative research as a way of contributing towards the discipline's research agenda.

Creating a coffee tourism network in the north of Thailand

“…Furthermore, the perceived awareness of local communities’ role in tourism had influenced their perceived knowledge of tourism principles. Similar to previous studies, it might be speculated that most of the host communities should be aware of the importance of community participation in tourism development (Cole, 2006; Saufi et al., 2013). A possible explanation for this study is that the problem of tourism management in each local area.…”

Infection control in clinical placements: experiences of nursing and midwifery students

“…(2008) argue that such studies have contributed to vital progress in infection control, they also highlight that such studies cannot assist us in explaining why certain factors affect the use of ICPs. Cole (2006) also explains the value of qualitative research in relation to infection control in describing the experiences, behaviours and interactions of people. Qualitative research can therefore be of value in infection prevention and control.…”

Online Education in Promoting Continued Education during Coronavirus Outbreak in Zimbabwe: ‘Challenges and Solutions’

“…This study utilised qualitative research methodologies. Qualitative research methods are more concerned with uncovering knowledge about how people feel and think in the circumstances in which they find themselves than making judgment about whether those thoughts and feelings are valid (Cole, 2006). Moreover, qualitative researchers are more interested in understanding the meaning people have constructed, that is, how people make sense of their world and experiences they have in the world (Merriam, 2009).…”