title: A method for pattern recognition.
abstract: Although pattern is a dominant concept in nursing science, only Newman's method for recognizing pattern has been fully articulated and widely used in research about the human health experience. This article proposes an alternative, less costly method to facilitate research with larger numbers of participants in clinical settings. Cluster analysis, a quasi-quantitative technique, and content analysis were combined to produce a technique for recognizing patterns of person-environment interaction. Results from two studies with persons experiencing a highly variable chronic illness, rheumatoid arthritis, indicated that this new approach identifies distinct common patterns of person-environment interaction. Sufficient detail about the nature of each pattern resulted to facilitate further knowledge development about the health experience and to provide guidance in structuring nursing care.
authors.affiliation: Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN 56001, USA. donna.brauer@mnsu.edu
authors.forename: Donna J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Brauer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D033262:Narration; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D046709:Pattern Recognition, Physiological; D010551:Personality; D012107:Research Design; D012931:Social Environment