Essay Sample on Evaluating Qualitative Study

Introduction

According to Houser (2018), the evaluation of qualitative study should follow a six-step process that begins with; report details, the procedure used, decision processes, analytic method, report methods, and sufficient descriptions and reports of the samples used(pg.437). That checklist will form the basis of evaluation of the study by Doekhie, Strating, Samardzic, Bovenkamp, & Paauwe (2018).

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The report of the sample shows the number of patients, their age, their chronic conditions, and the involved caregivers. One can also note that the report has made a point of including the interviewers' characteristics. The report places all the details in a table form which makes it easier for the reader to understand and avoids getting overwhelmed by all the information. Therefore, the report provides enough details to judge the characteristics of the sample.

The procedure that the researchers used to analyze the data was analyzed using Atlas TI, a computer software. They also included the process of data analysis in both the table and the description hence easy for the reader to follow. The procedures used for the study of the data have been described with sufficient detail.

The decision process that the authors used to carry out the study is traceable because of the scholars' decision to include everything in the table. The table breaks down information into various parts and stages which gives the reader an overview of the steps involved in the research. There is a clear audit trail for the study.

The study is explorative because it is a qualitative study. The authors' decision to use conventional content analysis was well informed because it allowed them to derive the themes from the data rather than the preconceived or theoretical categories (Doekhie at al., 2018, pg. 1176).

Section 2.5 of the research addresses the credibility of the findings, the dependability of the methods and confirmability of the conclusions. To ensure the credibility, the researchers asked the participants to provide examples as back up for their views. To ensure dependability and confirmability the lead researcher, Kirti Doekhie, made an audit trail that outlines all the steps from the start of the project to the reporting of results.

The authors provided a thick description in the results section where they deemed appropriate. For instance, the results obtained are non-universal. Some results only apply to elderly patients, and the report has made that clear. This aspect of the study ensures its transferability.

References

Doekhie, K., Strating, M., Samardzic, M. B., Bovenkamp, H. v., & Paauwe, J. (2018). The different perspectives of patients, informal caregivers, and professionals on patient involvement in primary care teams. A qualitative study. Health Expect, 21, 1171-1182. doi:10.1111/hex.12824

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing Research: Reading, Using and Creating Evidence (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.