A Comprehensive Critique of Qualitative Research Studies in Healthcare

This report presents a comprehensive critique of four qualitative research studies in the healthcare field, focusing on nursing care, pain management, and the experiences of patients and nurses. The studies examined include 'A Year in the Life of an Elementary School,' 'Characteristics of good nursing care by Athlin and Hedelin,' 'Missed Nursing Care,' and 'Nursing Pain Management in Cancer Patients.' Each study is analyzed based on its statement of interest, methods, findings, rigor, strengths, and weaknesses. The critique highlights the strengths of each study, such as clear findings and appropriate sampling techniques, while also addressing weaknesses such as lack of clarity in methodology and insufficient rigor criteria. The report provides a detailed overview of the research designs, data collection methods, and key findings, offering insights into the quality of qualitative research in healthcare and providing a valuable resource for students studying research methodologies. The report concludes with an overall assessment of the studies, offering suggestions for improvements and further research.

Running head: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 1
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Student Name
Institution

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 2
A Year in the life of elementary school
This is a critique of a qualitative research article titled: A Year in the Life of an
Elementary School: One School’s Experiences in Meeting New Mathematics Standards. It was
written by Karen Dorgan in 2004. The main purpose of the study was to examine changes in the
state's standards of learning and how it affected pedagogical decision making, teaching and
learning, and methods of instruction and evaluation. Therefore, this critique is based on, my
interpretation of the article as an example of a qualitative study. It will focus on the statement of
interest, methods, research questions, findings, rigor, strengths, and weaknesses.
Statement of interest
The study was directed at an elementary school in the state of Virginia and the efforts it
was making adapting to the changes in standards for education learning in the state (Dorgan,
2004). The purpose was clearly indicated in the abstract section. She stated that the purpose of
the research was to attempt to understand how, and to what extent their [the faculty and
administration of this particular elementary school] decisions about instruction were influenced
by the Standards of Learning and the state tests (Dorgan, 2004). Similarly, the focus of the study
was explicitly and clearly stated in the abstract. She stated that the primary focus of the study
was on the Mathematics programme at the school and strategies the school applied in an attempt
to raise students’ mathematics test scores.
Methods
Dorgan conducted a non-participatory case study from the school year 1999-2000.
During this period, she used ethnographic analysis as a method of triangulating data. She used all
the three forms of qualitative data collection methods-interviewing, observation, and data

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analysis. Various themes emerged during the process of data collection and she recorded all of
them in the data results section in the report (Dorgan, 2004). In qualitative research, it is
important to point out the themes that became clear to you while you were conducting your study
(Lewis, 2015). Similarly, they also it also helps developing research hypothesis.
Rigor
Indeed, Dorgan explained how rigor was assured in her research. The study is valid
because Dorgan used of qualitative data collection methods. It was credible because of both data
collection methods and excerpts from the report showed that the author maintained focus in her
research. Further, the conformability of the study is ensured by the provision of excerpts from
interviews (Dorgan, 2004). Lastly, transferability is ensured through the reference to literature in
the literature review section.
Strengths
The report outlined findings and conclusions that were related to the research questions.
For example, Dorgan found that the effects of political decisions on teaching and learning were
generally negative in this case (Dorgan, 2004). This answered the research question on the effect
of politics on pedagogy.
Weaknesses
Although I found this study satisfactory as a qualitative research, there were some
elements that it lacked. For example, the author failed to provide an explanation of the data
collection processes (Babbie, 2015). Similarly, the article lacked sufficient background literature.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 4
Characteristics of good nursing care by Athlin and Hedelin
This qualitative research was conducted in 2007 by Athlin Hedelin and Hov R. The two
examined what constitutes quality care for ICU patients. In this paper, I analyze and critique the
article using the elements of a qualitative research study as my basis. I will focus on the
statement of interest, methods, findings, rigor, strengths, and weaknesses.
Statement of interest
The purpose of the study was clearly and explicitly outlined in the abstract section. The
statement was clear and unpresumptuous. Additionally, it was supported by data on an
understanding of the features of good nursing care for patients in ICU (Hov, 2007). The
statement of interest was further developed in the introduction section where the authors
acknowledge the conflicts that had occurred regarding this topic because of lack of specialty in a
particular field.
Methods
In this section, I will provide my critique of the research methodology. Specifically, I will
provide my analysis and interpretation of sampling and procedures used in data collection.The
participants were chosen randomly from well-known nursing institutions in the region. They
invited 37 nurses to participate (Hov, 2007). Similarly, they randomly chose 19 nurses as
respondents. However, out of this, only 14 nurses participated.
Findings
The findings of the research are explicitly and clearly provided. The researchers
mentioned findings of the study that support the aim and clarifies their interpretation of the topic

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(Flick, 2015). For example, they identified competence as one of the features that make up
quality care for patients in ICU (AACN, 2015). Additionally, they provided the limitations and
recommendations for further research on nurses’ communication through patients’ bodies.
Rigor
From my assessment, the study lacked a variety of rigor criteria. For example, regarding
conformability, the study only mentioned feedback from the interview. There was no clear
indication of the description of the timing and information provided by the respondents (Hov,
2007). Nonetheless, the study ensured transferability through the use of interviewing and
questionnaire administration as a method of data collection. Also, the research ensured
credibility through data collection processes, research questions, and provision of analysis of
literature by other authors on the topic.
Strengths
One of the strong points of this study was its sampling technique. I found it convenient
and containing low external validity. This is because it was participant selected (Hov, 2007).
Thus, it was based on the latter’s convenience, schedule, willingness to talk about experiences
and open. Similarly, the results section clearly depicted the findings of the research (Brock,
2013). The use of statistical diagrams like charts and bar-graphs provide an excellent
visualization of the findings and connection to the interest of the study. Additionally, the
researchers managed to exploit the aim of having a deepened understanding in features of
nursing care for ICU patients through providing family members’, nurse and patient
perspectives.

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Weaknesses
I realized that the writing of the methodology sections lacked clarity. Nevertheless, it
helped in building a whole picture for the context of the study (Greenberg, 2012). Also, the
research could not be considered fully representative because the participants were chosen based
on criteria which excluded some nurses who may have been helpful to the credibility and
transferability of the research.
Missed Nursing Care
This is a critique of a qualitative study on the quality of nursing care entitled: Missed
Nursing Care. It was written by Beatrice Kalisch in 2006. The aim of the study was to
investigate the reasons why nurses do not complete nursing care. One of the things I noted is that
the title was quite ambiguous. ‘Missed care’ can mean many things. Similarly, although the
phenomenon being studied was clear, the author did not indicate the population concerned.
Therefore, from the start, it was not clear who was being studied. The following is my critique of
the qualitative study in terms of the statement of interest, methods, findings, rigor, strengths, and
weaknesses.
Statement of interest
The aim of the study was explicitly indicated in the abstract section. This was
accompanied by some background information on care in medical health institutions. The two
research questions were indicated as well (Kalisch, 2006). However, the abstract was too short to
provide sufficient information regarding the story. It contained 71 words. Abstracts should be
between 100 and 200 words (Schreier, 2012). This range is enough to summarize the main points
to be covered in the subsequent sections (NCP, 2012).

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Methods
The research design, sample, processes, and data were clearly explained in the
methodology section. The researcher used interviewing as the main method of data collection.
Although acceptable, the research should have applied observation and group participation.
According to the grounded theory, the exclusive use of interviews is discouraged to avoid bias
and inflexibility (Creswell, 2013). Similarly, the procedures were clearly defined and recorded
hence leaving no room for bias.
Findings
Kalisch frequently used quotes from the group interviews when describing her research
findings. Various themes came out during data regarding the reasons why nurses cannot
effectively perform their roles. By listing and discussing them, the author makes the research
informing and diversified (Flink, 2013). Additionally, the themes and findings were put in a
logical and organized way. This way, it was easier to understand what the findings implied
regarding the research questions. Further, by providing interpretation and recommendations, the
author shows how the study can be put to practice in daily lives.
Rigor
The main criteria used to determine rigor in research contains credibility, transferability,
verifiability, and validity. The research was enhanced by two different researchers
independently. Qualitative research analysis software assisted in eliminating implied views and
opinions of the researcher. Also, the study outlines specific themes and criteria used to ensure

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 8
that they were arrived at from the group interviews. However, the research did not provide
coding of the interviews thus the transferability aspect of the study was compromised.
Nevertheless, the research met the standards of rigor.
Strengths
The study had direct quotations from participants. It provided an insightful description of
reasons why nurses in most healthcare institutions provide missed care. Also, from reviewing
the article, it was clear that the researcher had a vast experience in the nursing field. This made
the study credible (Schreier, 2012). Additionally, the author provided recommendations for
further inquiry on the topic through providing a list of questions.
Weaknesses
Although the study was met most of the obligations in qualitative research, there were
some aspects that should have been adhered to. For example, the grounded theory advises
researchers to rely on various data collection methods to ensure validity. Being that this study
relied only on group interviews, it is likely that some participants did withhold information for
fear of victimization (Vertino, 2014).
Nursing Pain Management in Cancer Patients
This is a critique of a qualitative interview study by Gaard, Rustoen, and Wahl in 2009
entitled: Nursing pain management – a qualitative interview study of patients with pain,
hospitalized for cancer treatment. The research was done in an excellent way and through it, the
reader gets to know about pain experience among cancer patients and how it could be managed

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 9
by health personnel. Below is a critique of the qualitative research based on the statement of
interest, methods, findings, rigor, strengths, and weaknesses.
Statement of interest
The purpose of the study is stated in the abstract section. This is accompanied by a brief
description of background information on pain management in cancer patients (T Gaardsrud,
2009). This includes statistics on cover inpatients, outpatients, outpatients and those whose
treatments were not feasible anymore (Andrews, 2016). Although the introduction provided
sufficient information on the purpose, a large portion of literature was irrelevant to the research
questions.
Methods
The following is an assessment of the research regarding sampling and research design.
The study utilized a sample of cancer patients. The authors stated that this sample the population
according to their convenience (T Gaardsrud, 2009). However, it is not clear how they came to
arrive at the number of participants. To ensure that the participant had a pain problem, the study
used medical chart review and inclusion outline (T Gaardsrud, 2009). This provided sufficiently
for the selection method.
Findings
Tables were used to represent data in this section. Table 2provided demographic
characteristics and numerical pain ratings collected from interviews (T Gaardsrud, 2009).
Although the information on this table was relevant, to me, it did not have much weight on the
findings of the research since it represented patients experience in one day. Nevertheless, the

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 10
data analysis and interpretation section were clearly stated thus it provided pain relief themes
with appropriate examples.
Rigor
The researcher reviewed content by other authors on this content. This helped in
answering the research questions hence making the research credible. Similarly, the patients’
interviews were coded to ensure they can be retrieved for verifiability (Creswell, 2013).
Similarly, the statistics on pain relief among cancer patients ensured that the study was
transferable.
Strengths
This research by Gaardsurd and others was conducted and written in a way that provides
a good flow. Also, they utilized methods that helped in attaining qualitative rigor. For example,
in describing ways of achieving pain relief, the authors provided various themes and examples (T
Gaardsrud, 2009). Similarly, the article was easy to understand due to an excellent presentation
on pain factors.
Weaknesses
Admittedly, the research has achieved its aim of educating health practitioners on pain
relief management among cancer patients. However, being that the study utilized only one
interview makes it to lack verifiability. This aspect is essential in research. Also, there was an
insufficient description of patients’ testimonies regarding pain. The good thing is that the
researchers acknowledged this weakness. Thus, they recommended that the research should not
be considered as guiding material for pain managers.

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References
AACN. (2015, January 23). Health Reform: Put Patients First. Retrieved August 10, 2017, from
American Association of Colleges of Nursing: http://www.aacn.edu/government-affairs
Andrews, E. (2016, June 28). Stanford researchers develop new statistical test that shows racial
profiling in police traffic stops. Retrieved December 6, 2016, from Stanford news:
http://www.news.stanford.edu.com
Babbie, E. (2015). The Practice of Social Research. Nelson Education .
Brock, A. (2013). Building a model of early years professionalism from practitioners'
perspectives. Journal of Early Childhood Research , 27-44.
Creswell, J. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative , and mixed methods approach.
Sage Publications .
Dorgan, K. (2004). A Year in the life of an Elementary School: One School's experiences in
Meeting new Mathematics Standards. Teachers College Records .
Flick, U. (2015). Introducing Research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing research. Sage
Publications.
Flink, A. (2013). Conducting research literature reviews: from the Internet to paper. Sage
Publications .
Greenberg, J. (2012). A plea for methodological diversity. Journal of organizational behaviour ,
22-30.

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Hov, A. E. (2007). Good nursing care to ICU patients on the edge of life. Intensive and Critical
care , 331-341.
Kalisch, B. (2006). Missed Nursing Care: A Qualitative Research. Journal of Nursing Care ,
306-313.
Lewis, S. (2015). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches .
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NCP. (2012, May 20). Nursing care plan Dementia of Cardiac dysrhythmias. Retrieved August
10, 2017, from Care Planning-NCP-for nurses: http://www.nursingcareplan.org
Schreier, M. (2012). Qualitative Content Analysis in Practice. Sage , 227-245.
T Gaardsrud, M. L. (2009). Nursing pain management – a qualitative interview study of patients
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Vertino, K. (2014). Effective Interpersonal Communication. The Online Journal of Issues in
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