Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
No conceptual or theoretical framework was clearly identified. However, the authors do focus on patient-centered care within an evidence-based practice framework.
Research/Study Design
The research design is described as being descriptive and is therefore phenomenological. The authors use a focus group model, and operationalize the definition of the term focus group. A focus group for the purposes of this study is defined as a small group and has as its objective the "acquisition of information based on perceptions, beliefs, traditions, and values of its participants," (Heinrich & Karner, n.d., p. 31). Focus groups are one of the most commonly used study designs in qualitative research in health care (Gill, Stewart, Treasure & Chadwick, 2008). Furthermore, the focus group was selected for this qualitative research design because it permitted 'interaction and discussion" among the participants, leading to "rich data related to the learning needs of older adults living in community settings," (Heinrich & Karner, n.d., p. 31). Questions related to reflections on how health care providers offered information, and how the participants acquire information about health issues on their own.
Sampling Techniques
Criteria for participation included being aged...
To obtain the sample, fliers were placed in two county-subsidized senior living apartment complexes. Fourteen persons responded to the flier and were able to participate fully in the focus group meetings as well as the information sessions leading up to the focus groups.
Ethical Issues
Permission had to be obtained from the Area Agency on
Aging, in order to
place the fliers to obtain the sample. All participants were given
informed consent, offered a brief
description of the study before they agreed to participate. Similarly, the information sessions prior to the study provided an opportunity for providing additional background information about the study. Therefore, participants were well informed before commencing the research. However, anonymity and
privacy were not necessarily protected.
Data Collection Methods and Procedures
Data was collected from the focus group meetings. The focus group meetings were loosely structured. The researchers introduced four broad subject areas related to how health care providers disseminate health-related information, impressions of health care providers and the information they give, and autonomous health information seeking. The questions were based on a review of literature revealing potential areas of weakness in health information. Therefore, the data was collected in ways that address the research issue, related to the quality…
