Laitinen Heleena, Kaunonen Marja, Astedt-Kurki Päivi
Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
Nurse Res. 2014 Nov;22(2):10-5. doi: 10.7748/nr.22.2.10.e1284.
To give clarity to the analysis of participant observation in nursing when implementing the grounded theory method.
Participant observation (PO) is a method of collecting data that reveals the reality of daily life in a specific context. In grounded theory, interviews are the primary method of collecting data but PO gives a distinctive insight, revealing what people are really doing, instead of what they say they are doing. However, more focus is needed on the analysis of PO.
An observational study carried out to gain awareness of nursing care and its electronic documentation in four acute care wards in hospitals in Finland.
Discussion of using the grounded theory method and PO as a data collection tool.
The following methodological tools are discussed: an observational protocol, jotting of notes, microanalysis, the use of questioning, constant comparison, and writing and illustrating. Each tool has specific significance in collecting and analysing data, working in constant interaction.
Grounded theory and participant observation supplied rich data and revealed the complexity of the daily reality of acute care. In this study, the methodological tools provided a base for the study at the research sites and outside. The process as a whole was challenging. It was time-consuming and it required rigorous and simultaneous data collection and analysis, including reflective writing. Using these methodological tools helped the researcher stay focused from data collection and analysis to building theory.
IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH/PRACTICE: Using PO as a data collection method in qualitative nursing research provides insights. It is not commonly discussed in nursing research and therefore this study can provide insight, which cannot be seen or revealed by using other data collection methods. Therefore, this paper can produce a useful tool for those who intend to use PO and grounded theory in their nursing research.
在运用扎根理论方法时，明确护理中参与观察的分析方法。
参与观察（PO）是一种收集数据的方法，可揭示特定背景下的日常生活实际情况。在扎根理论中，访谈是收集数据的主要方法，但参与观察能提供独特见解，揭示人们实际在做什么，而非他们声称自己在做什么。然而，需要更多地关注参与观察的分析。
在芬兰医院的四个急性护理病房进行的一项观察性研究，以了解护理及其电子文档情况。
讨论使用扎根理论方法以及将参与观察作为数据收集工具。
探讨了以下方法工具：观察方案、记录笔记、微观分析、提问的运用、持续比较以及撰写和说明。每种工具在收集和分析数据方面都具有特定意义，且相互之间持续互动。
扎根理论和参与观察提供了丰富的数据，揭示了急性护理日常现实的复杂性。在本研究中，这些方法工具为研究现场内外的研究提供了基础。整个过程具有挑战性。它耗时且需要严格同时进行数据收集和分析，包括反思性写作。使用这些方法工具有助于研究人员从数据收集和分析到构建理论都保持专注。
对研究/实践的启示：在定性护理研究中使用参与观察作为数据收集方法可提供见解。它在护理研究中并不常被讨论，因此本研究可提供使用其他数据收集方法无法看到或揭示的见解。因此，本文可为那些打算在护理研究中使用参与观察和扎根理论的人提供一个有用的工具。
