title: Operationalizing reflexivity to improve the rigor of palliative care research.
abstract: Reflective practice involves deliberate consideration of actions, attitudes and behaviors. Reflexivity in research is considered important for ensuring that research is ethically and rigorously conducted. This paper details the challenges of conducting research involving patients with palliative care needs within the acute hospital environment. It discusses the contribution of reflexivity to a pilot study using the Patient Dignity Question (PDQ) "What do I need to know about you as a person to take the best care of you that I can?" as a brief intervention to foster a more person-centered climate. Challenges that emerged are discussed from the perspectives of the researchers, the participants, and the setting; they relate to: timing and recruitment, the nature of palliative care illness, attitudes to research, and the research environment. Awareness of such issues can prompt researchers to devise appropriate strategies and approaches that may inform and assist the rigor and conduct of future research.
authors.affiliation: Sue Ryder Care Centre for the Study of Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2HA. Electronic address: Bridget.Johnston@nottingham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.affiliation: University of Dundee and University of Nottingham, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Airlie Place, Dundee.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pringle
authors.affiliation: Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, Dundee.
authors.forename: Deans
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Buchanan
mesh_terms: D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010865:Pilot Projects
keywords: Palliative care; Reflective practice; Reflexivity; Research rigor