People\'s Emotions, Values, Personal Experiences,

¶ … people's emotions, values, personal experiences, thoughts and actions. Instead of percentages and measurements, it supplies non-numerical data, for example recording a patient's concerns about not taking a medicine compared to handling the possible side effects. In health care, researchers often use the qualitative approach to acquire more information on how people deal with chronic illnesses. This methodology is also helpful when people are talking with one another, such as in focus groups, or gaining insights through in-depth interviews. Quantitative research generates data, which can be confirmed for reliability and repeated by others who want similar results. Statistical data can be collected on large groups and provide valuable information, for example, on whether a specific medical procedure is attaining its goals.

When reviewing the article, "Listening to voices of high-risk antepartum patients," I gained considerable insights about how the women personally felt through their comments. One of the most important aspects of nursing care is understanding the patients' needs and determining unique ways to respond to them. As this study reported, although research has been conducted on this topic, much of it is data- rather than anecdotal-related.

The research showed that the stressors of these patients goes well beyond having to be bedridden. Suddenly, women who were very busy and occupied running their own and family's lives have lost control. This can be devistating to self-confidence. Along with this loss of control comes a feeling of being a burden to the family. Women are not used to having someone else care for them. On top of this is the financial burden, which creates added anxiety. Further, women mention the lack of privacy in the hospital.

More important than the stressors are the suggestions that these women make about how to help them at this difficult time. Not surprising, women wanted more information from doctors on their condition and nurses regarding their procedures. This can be easily rectified with training. However, of interest was how important it was to relieve boredom. This is a need to which hospitals can respond with minimal cost and resources. There are many volunteers who would gladly spend more time with these women. Support groups can also be helpful. It is also a perfect time to offer classes.

For the health and well-being of the mother and child, no one wants to add uneeded stress and aggravation. Such easy suggestions can go a long way in making the patients' life much improved. None of these comments are rocket science; however, sometimes studies like this are needed to put into black and white print what is already expected, in order to light a fire under the right people to make changes in status quo.