Use of Grounded Theory in Medical Research
Location
1052
Format Type
Paper
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
January 2016
End Date
January 2016
Abstract
While medical research is dominated by quantitative, hypothesis driven methods, qualitative research can be used to investigate complex phenomena that are difficult to measure providing a deeper understanding, leading to better approaches, strategies, instrumentation, hypotheses, and outcomes. These complex phenomena include the development of health literacy skills, adherence to medical and lifestyle treatments, and efforts to reduce hospital readmissions. In this study a grounded theory approach was used to gain perspectives and a greater insight into the process of learning, the building of knowledge and the development of self-management skills in patients diagnosed with a chronic health condition. The research questions addressed how knowledge and skills were acquired, the role of digital tools, and how the strategies used by healthcare professionals matched the learning preferences and needs of the patients. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on healthcare professionals and patients. A total of 566 segments were coded, leading to 4 themes and a theoretical explanation of how self-management skills were developed. Emergent themes included the importance of social support and digital tools, the need for more personalization and relevance, and the self-directed nature of the patients. Linking of these themes led to the development of the health literacy instructional model, which is a 3-step approach, including an emotional support, behavioral approach, and instructional strategy. Social support was the common element in all 3 phases and was perceived to be key to developing self-management skills. Recommendations are to consider social support in the development of self-management instructional strategies.
Use of Grounded Theory in Medical Research
1052
While medical research is dominated by quantitative, hypothesis driven methods, qualitative research can be used to investigate complex phenomena that are difficult to measure providing a deeper understanding, leading to better approaches, strategies, instrumentation, hypotheses, and outcomes. These complex phenomena include the development of health literacy skills, adherence to medical and lifestyle treatments, and efforts to reduce hospital readmissions. In this study a grounded theory approach was used to gain perspectives and a greater insight into the process of learning, the building of knowledge and the development of self-management skills in patients diagnosed with a chronic health condition. The research questions addressed how knowledge and skills were acquired, the role of digital tools, and how the strategies used by healthcare professionals matched the learning preferences and needs of the patients. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on healthcare professionals and patients. A total of 566 segments were coded, leading to 4 themes and a theoretical explanation of how self-management skills were developed. Emergent themes included the importance of social support and digital tools, the need for more personalization and relevance, and the self-directed nature of the patients. Linking of these themes led to the development of the health literacy instructional model, which is a 3-step approach, including an emotional support, behavioral approach, and instructional strategy. Social support was the common element in all 3 phases and was perceived to be key to developing self-management skills. Recommendations are to consider social support in the development of self-management instructional strategies.