Using Qualitative Research to Inform Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Discussion – Using Qualitative Research to Inform Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Qualitative research primarily explores a culture, social process, or phenomenon from the
viewpoint of the individuals or communities experiencing the issue, residing in the neighborhood
and culture, or entangled in the social process (Gray & Grove, 2020). Qualitative research
questions are generally broader in scope compared to quantitative inquiry questions. They guide
the research scope instead of stating it directly. Qualitative research designs also focus on the
natural setting and multiple data sources, and inductive data analysis is commonly used. This
discussion will propose a qualitative question regarding poor access to healthcare services among
African Americans and then describe the most appropriate research design to address the
research question.

Research Question

1. What are some of the challenges that negatively affect the ability of African Americans to
   access quality and safe care? What can be done to address these challenges?

Qualitative Research Design

A phenomenological study design is the most appropriate approach to examine the
challenges that impact healthcare access among African Americans in the U.S. and interventions
that can be put in place to address these setbacks.
Reflection: How the Design Supports the Research Study to Address the Research Question
The phenomenological approach is best suited to address the research question because it
focuses on the shared experiences of a specific group (Vagle, 208). The core objective is to
obtain a detailed standard description of the “nature” of the particular phenomena being
investigated. In this case, what factors affect access to care among African Americans.
Classically, interviews are conducted, or open-ended questionnaires are issued to the specific

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participants with first-hand experience or knowledge of the phenomena being studied. For this
nursing practice issue, a sample of African Americans can randomly be selected to participate in
the study. The model might also incorporate observations and secondary data like previous
research statistics and government reports evidence (Mauldin, 2020). The phenomenological
study design allows researchers to construct a more universal or collective meaning of the
experience, situation, or event. It is a more logical method of understanding what African
Americans generally undergo when accessing healthcare in the U.S.

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References

Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research:
Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9 th ed.). Elsevier.
Mauldin, R. L. (2020). Foundations of social work research. Mavs Open Press at UT Arlington.
Vagle, M. D. (2018). Crafting phenomenological research. Taylor & Francis.