Critique of Qualitative Research

Research in the Discipline of Nursing NURS 6060

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Critique of Qualitative Nursing Research Study

Article

Glasberg, A., Norberg, A., & Soderberg, A. (2007, October). Sources of burnout among
healthcare employees as perceived by managers. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60.
(1), 10-19.

Statement of the Phenomenon of Interest

The researchers clearly identify the phenomenon of

interest. They investigated the sources of burnout among

healthcare employees as perceived by managers. In the

introduction, the researchers state that although a few

qualitative studies have been conducted on the subject of

burnout with people who have experienced it, there are no

qualitative researches on the subject from the managers'

perspective. This is a round about way of saying that only a

qualitative research study would adequately capture the

opinions and understanding of healthcare managers on the

subject.

Purpose

The purpose of the study is very explicit. The

researchers aim to find out factors contributing to the

increase of people on sick leave with burnout related

symptoms from the healthcare managers' perspective. This

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study aims to use an explanatory model to understand the

managers' perception of the phenomenon. The significance of

the work to nursing is not explicitly noted, as it is clear

that not all the managers interviewed were nursing managers.

However, the researchers note that the perceptions of

managers determine their actions. Their actions could

potentially counteract or contribute to burnout. This

statement is also true of nursing and nursing managers.

Method

The method utilized in this research study was

individual interviews. This method was compatible with the

purpose of the study. This method alone is not adequate to

address the phenomenon, but it provides the foundation,

which will be the basis of further research into this

particular area of burnout. The approach used for this

research is the explanatory model and the researchers

complete the study according to the model.

Participants

The researchers recruited purposively for this study.

They needed participants who were managers in healthcare or

were knowledgeable about the topic. Thirty managers in an

area of northern Sweden were invited to participate. One

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declined, but they still had a large group for a qualitative

study. The "…complexity and contextual dependence of burnout

required us to collect data from both urban and rural areas

and from participants with different occupational

backgrounds…" was the researchers' justification for such a

large sample.

Data Collection

Human experience is the focus of data collection in

this study. The main strategy employed is individual

interviews. Each participant was interviewed for 25 – 90

minutes. An ethics committee approved the research

beforehand, all the participants received an information

sheet, after which each gave informed consent to

participate. They had the opportunity to withdraw from the

study at anytime. To make sure that the interviewing process

followed the same pattern, the same interviewer conducted

all of the interviews except the five at the psychiatric

clinic.

Data Analysis

Thematic qualitative content analysis was used to

analyze the data inductively. It is evident that the

researchers tried very hard to stay true to the data but the

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steps taken to analyze the interviews are confusing and

complex. First, they read the interviews several times.

Second, they divided the text into meaning units. Third, the

meaning units were condensed and coded. Fourth, comparison

of the codes was done. Fifth, the codes were further grouped

into mutually exclusive categories. Sixth, to reach a

consensus the researchers discussed the categorization among

themselves. Finally, they discussed the categorization at

seminars with other researchers. The researchers agreed that

analyzing the data separately and collectively enabled them

to check and recheck the emerging findings. The explanatory

model was then used to interpret the recurring perceptions

or themes expressed by the managers interviewed.

Creditability/Auditability

In spite of all these steps, the first sub-group

interviewed did confirm that the categories adequately

reflected their views. It is very difficult to follow the

thinking of the researchers, but as noted in the data

analysis section, they did document the research process

systematically.

Fittingness

The findings are applicable outside the study

situation. The results are meaningful to individuals not

involved in the study. Employees finally have an insight

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about the perception of their managers. Other managers,

reading the study can either identify with or disagree with

the perceptions expressed by the interviewees.

Findings

It would take several readings for the reader to

capture the essence of the experience from the findings. The

researchers' concepts are true to the data. They include

direct quotes from the data in the study. The researchers

place the study in context with what is known about the

phenomenon. The research produces traditional sources for

burnout from the managers' perspective. The study also

concludes that while previous research had stated that

managers themselves might be a source of burnout, the

interviewees indicated that managers contribute to burnout.

Conclusions

The study concludes that a manager who perceives

herself to be powerless might be unable to empower her

employees. It urges that managers as well as their employees

need support to be able to deal with the reality of

healthcare services as opposed to the ideal they learn in

nursing school. Even though the researchers do not claim to

have made any earth shattering discoveries, the study has

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successfully gathered managerial perceptions about burnout.

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REFERENCES

Glasberg, A., Norberg, A., & Soderberg, A. (2007, October). Sources of burnout among
healthcare employees as perceived by managers. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 60.
(1), 10-19.