Applied Nursing Research
Volume 18, Issue 1 , Pages 44-49, February 2005

Lessons learned from a longitudinal qualitative family systems study

  • Yvonne M. Sterling, DNSc, RN

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 504 568 4150; fax: +1 504 566 3308.
    • Department of Family Nursing, Louisiana State University School of Nursing, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
    • ,
  • Jane W. Peterson, PhD, RN

      Affiliations

    • Seattle University College of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98122, USA

Received 2 July 2003; received in revised form 22 April 2004; accepted 21 May 2004.

Abstract 

Methodological issues encountered during all phases of a longitudinal qualitative family systems study are described. This article focuses on (1) separate researchers and sites, (2) recruitment and retention of study participants, (3) data collection concerns, (4) family variances, (5) conflicting roles of nurse and researcher, and (6) family disengagement. Achieving and maintaining scientific rigor in longitudinal qualitative studies can be challenging if consistent attention is not given to issues that surface during all phases of the study. From these experiences, guidelines for researchers involved in similar studies are presented.

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PII: S0897-1897(04)00090-4

doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2004.05.001

Applied Nursing Research
Volume 18, Issue 1 , Pages 44-49, February 2005

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