By Miriam Redley, Probationer Nurse, Atoifi Adventist Hospital

Until recently, research meant nothing more to me than a study based on the interests of an individual in certain things like plants, animals and so on. However, when participating in the Qualitative Research Workshops held in June at Atoifi Hospital, I realised that there is more to research than what I thought. Therefore, I am going to briefly share my experience on qualitative research, and its positive impact on me.

As part of the nursing curriculum I studied the basics of research. Because of that experience, I know that there are two basic approaches to research. These are “Qualitative” and “Quantitative”. Thus, with this basic knowledge, I also learnt that quantitative method is based on counting numbers, whereas qualitative research relates to exploring people’s experiences and their views on a particular topic. Thus, in my experience, I have is no criticism with either approach. However, qualitative methods have made many positive impacts on me.

When participating in the recent Qualitative Research Workshops, I learnt that this type of research has guidelines that must be followed in order to achieve a successful outcome. For instance, the guidelines include “Open mindedness, non-judgmental, observant, sensitive, adaptable, and clear in speech”. These guidelines taught me to be neutral, however be knowledgeable, when seeking other people’s opinions.
I learnt to be ‘naïve’ and learnt to listen, even if it already known to me. I need to listen in a genuine manner of showing interest, I must not be judgmental in every conversation. Qualitative research has taught me not to make criticisms or make decisions according to my opinion - I must be observant, sensitive and be adaptable to whatever environment.

With this understanding, my participation in the Qualitative Research Workshops has impacted me, not only when doing research, but also at work. For instance, as a nurse, sometimes we are not ‘naïve’ enough when we ask questions of the patient. Sometimes the patient don’t have the chance to say something. Therefore with this, I believe that learning about qualitative methods is good and influential - I recommend it.

Photo: Miriam Redley, author, is second from the back on the left-hand side.

Miriam, along with researchers and fellow probationer nurses. work together during the recent Qualitative Research Workshop. The team met in a Pacific Adventist University (PAU) classroom. PAU delivers a Bachelor of Nursing from the campus at Atoifi Hospital, Solomon Islands. Photo credit: David MacLaren