Developing and refining interventions in persons with health disparities: the use of qualitative description.
Eliminating health disparities by the year 2010 has become a clear priority for nursing and health sciences research. To date, much of the research has relied on traditional analytic methods to identify the disparities and develop clinical interventions. However, health disparities are typically embedded in complex, cultural and contextual issues. Interventions to improve access, quality and care among vulnerable populations need to be developed with these factors in mind. This article illustrates the benefits of using Qualitative Description as one method for assessing, developing and refining interventions with vulnerable populations. Qualitative Description study results have tremendous potential to translate directly to pressing health care situations and provide clear information about ways to improve care.
Sullivan-Bolyai
Susan
S
Graduate School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Worcester 01655-0002, USA. susan.sullivan-bolyai@umassmed.edu
Bova
Carol
C
Harper
Doreen
D
D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016730:Program Development; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012107:Research Design; D018401:Sample Size; D012935:Social Justice; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations