Part four: qualitative research
Research influences and shapes practice by providing practitioners with evidence regarding patients’ experiences, the impact of interventions on patient care and the experiences of healthcare professionals (Serrant-Green, 2009). This paper is the fourth in the ‘Understanding research’ series and will discuss qualitative research. Examples of qualitative research in wound care will be provided. Qualitative research methods are closely aligned to the perspectives and goals of nursing (Ryan-Nicholls and Will, 2009), and an understanding of the central tenets of qualitative research is essential for all practitioners.
