Discussion paper
Using observation to collect data in emergency research

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aenj.2017.01.001Get rights and content

Abstract

Research questions require specific data collection techniques to appropriately explore and understand the phenomena of interest.

Observation as a term features commonly in the literature as a way to describe both the design of a study and methods deployed within procedures. Observation as a data collection method is a mode of inquiry to systematically collect information about different settings and groups. However, the objective of observation in data collection is to better understand the phenomena of interest situated in context. Specifically, observation data collection can improve understanding of practice, processes, knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes embedded in clinical work and social interactions. This pragmatic paper will assist emergency nurses and other clinicians to understand how observation can be used as a data collection method within clinical practice.

Section snippets

1 Introduction

Observation data is obtained using naturalistic enquiry, and can assist to provide insight into how people share systems of meaning [1], [2], [3]. Observing practice can make explicit the processes embedded in clinical work and social interactions, exploring notions such as expectation, beliefs, power, motivation and identity [4], [5]. In the clinical setting, researchers can collect data that is non-interventional or non-experimental in the clinical setting [1], [6]. Observation data typically

2 Planning and preparation

Planning and preparation is required for undertaking observations within clinical practice. When collecting observation data, the setting chosen for answering the research question is often referred to as the field [8], [9]. Considerations for undertaking observations include site selection, entering the field, data collecting strategies, ethics and the need for a data interpretation framework.

To collect data within the field adequate preparation time needs to be allocated for negotiating

3 Data collection and fieldwork

Collecting data and managing fieldwork is complex and requires balancing a sensitive, open and honest approach with privacy, confidentiality and finally, research interests. For collecting observation data, the clinician researcher must act as an ‘instrument’ that filters through the myriad of contextual processes and brings to the fore the elaborate and situationally responsive characteristics of human behaviour and activities, thereby capturing the distinctive patterns within a setting [3],

4 Data analysis and interpretation

During observation data collection, the analysis and interpretation phases are interrelated and are iterative [26]. The researcher begins analysis by transcribing and becoming familiar with and immersed in the field notes, video or audio recording [32]. Transcribing the data begins the process of analysis and prepares the data for the written text and publication. Data analysis progresses with the clinician researcher becoming immersed in the data and searching for similar phrases and or words

5 Managing data

There are many quantitative and qualitative software programs available to the clinician researcher that can assist in data management, retrieval and storage. Computer software programs, such as NVIVO™, can assist to code and theme data, strengthen the thoroughness of a study and provide a back-up security measure. However, most simple studies can usually be done with readily available spreadsheets and word processing applications. Consideration needs to be given to the complexity of the data

6 Ethics and governance

When collecting observation data key ethical considerations are needed and must be embedded in the design of the study. When entering and being present in the field clinician researchers need to be mindful and responsive to their influence on the setting data collection method and participant privacy and confidentiality. All Australian researchers need to adhere to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) National Statement or a countries relevant jurisdictional human ethical

7 Conclusion

The collection of observation data can enable insights to be gained into the meaning and significance of the way the world appears for a particular group. Observation data collection approaches are relevant to the study of emergency care because they provide in depth information about events, situations, activities and systems of knowledge that give shape to the emergency care environment. Observation studies ground data in everyday situations and enable the clinician researcher to understand

Provenance

Authors M.F., K.C., J.C. and R.S. were involved in the design, development and writing of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

Authors Professors Marg Fry and Julie Considine are the Deputy Editors in Chief of the Australian Emergency Nursing Journal but had no role or part in the peer review or editorial decision-making of this paper whatsoever, and were blinded to the manuscript in the Elsevier Editorial System. Author Professor Kate Curtis is Associate Editor (Trauma) of the Australian Emergency Nursing Journal but had no role or part in the peer review or editorial decision-making of this paper whatsoever, and was

Funding

There was no funding associated with this manuscript.

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