Observation is one of the most commonly used qualitative data collection strategies across various research fields. This method seeks to understand what people think and do by observing them in action as they express themselves in different situations and activities (Smit & Onwuegbuzie, 2018). The goal of observation is to uncover important interactions between naturally occurring events and to investigate the facts surrounding those events. Sutton (2015) explains that effective observation requires accurate monitoring to determine when a phenomenon occurs, ensuring that natural cause-and-effect relationships are recorded for precise conclusions. The advantages of observation include its unstructured, flexible, and natural setting, which can be used in conjunction with other data collection methods. However, a notable disadvantage is the potential for the Hawthorne effect, where participants alter their behavior because they are aware they are being observed (Groenland & Leo Paul Dana, 2019).
Incorporating targeted data collection into a research plan helps identify relevant information associated with the research question. This approach eliminates unrelated material, allowing researchers to focus on pertinent indicators and reducing the risk of skewed outcomes. My research question specifically addresses whether surgical timeout and instrument count procedures in healthcare operating rooms need modification to decrease the incidence of retained surgical items in patients post-surgery. The hospital-acquired condition I have selected necessitates a strategic approach that involves immersive observation of daily operations within a hospital’s surgical department. The qualitative strategies and tools required to achieve this will include both observation and interviewing techniques. I believe that the healthcare setting will be receptive to qualitative research inquiries and observational approaches. The primary goal of healthcare is to provide optimal care for all patients and to discover innovative methods for improving that process. To alleviate any concerns or doubts, I will maintain transparency with all participants and emphasize that all findings are aimed at enhancing patient care and safety.
References
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Bradshaw, C., Atkinson, S., & Doody, O. (2017). Employing a Qualitative Description Approach in Health Care Research. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 4. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393617742282
Chawla, D., & Jones, R. M. (2017). Ethnography/Ethnographic Methods. The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118901731.iecrm0090
Choo, E. K., Garro, A. C., Ranney, M. L., & Meisel, Z. F. (2015). Qualitative Research in Emergency Care Part I: Research Principles and Common Applications. Academic Emergency Medicine Journal, 22(9), 1096–1102. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.12736
Dodgson, J. E. (2017). About Research: Qualitative Methodologies. SAGE, 33(2), 355–358. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334417698693
Groenland, E., & Leo Paul Dana. (2019). Qualitative Methodologies and Data Collection Methods: Toward Increased Rigor in Management Research. World Scientific.
Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M., & de Lacey, S. (2016). Qualitative research methods: when to use them and how to judge them. Oxford Academic, 31(3), 498–501. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dev334