Just-in-Time Qualitative Research: Methodological Guidelines Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic Experience.

BACKGROUND: Methodological guidelines are required to ensure both the rigor and feasibility of just-in-time, qualitative research addressing the human experience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and major public health crises. OBJECTIVES: This article presents methodological guidelines for just-in-time qualitative research based on our current, pandemic-relevant research. METHODS: The processes followed while conducting two longitudinal, online qualitative studies addressing the lived experience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed. Methodological challenges faced were then identified, and specific design and implementation guidelines were developed. The ways in which these guidelines can be applied to conduct just-in-time research during the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health crises were further delineated using examples from our pandemic-relevant research. RESULTS: Six guidelines were identified: (a) capitalize on fast track review and reporting processes; (b) prioritize accessibility during sample specification and selection; (c) optimize recruitment and retention strategies; (d) maximize current and future data use through strategic research design; (e) tailor data collection to participants' characteristics, preferences, and priorities; and (f) incorporate timeline mapping of personal and contemporaneous phenomena. DISCUSSION: Public health measures taken to slow disease spread during the current COVID-19 pandemic and future public health crises may slow the pace of research and make its implementation all the more challenging. However, just-in-time qualitative research advances our understanding of the human experience and response to the COVID-19 and major public health crises. It also complements existing behavioral theory and research. The guidelines presented may assist researchers to initiate necessary qualitative research more rapidly, with fewer logistic challenges, and with methodological rigor. They may also help expand research on groups experiencing collateral effects of the pandemic and major public health crisis. Lastly, the guidelines may support the development of more robust data for alternate analysis at a later date.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Data Collection Tool: A Teaching Strategy for Data Collection.

ABSTRACT: This article introduces the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Data Collection Tool developed to guide data collection and outcome analysis to promote student success in the DNP project. The DNP project combines student clinical expertise and an evidence-based intervention to address a complex practice or systems problem. Outcome data are needed to evaluate the project. The DNP Project Data Collection Tool is designed as a teaching strategy and project-specific tool that provides a model for faculty and students to use in DNP project development. Elements of the tool are discussed, and results of a student evaluation are presented.

Posttraumatic growth among operation enduring freedom and operation Iraqi freedom amputees.

PURPOSE: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. This study tested the PTG Model in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans following a major combat-related amputation. Specifically, the relationships among social support, rumination, length of time since amputation, and PTG among these veterans were examined. DESIGN: This was a descriptive correlational design using a mailed survey. Data were collected from OEF and OIF veterans with a major traumatic amputation (excluding digit-only loss). METHODS: A nationwide postal survey was conducted in 2007 of veterans with a major combat-related traumatic amputation. 210 veterans registered at the Department of Veterans Affairs were sent a survey packet containing a letter of introduction, informed consent form, stamped return envelope, and four surveys: a study-specific demographic questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Postdeployment Social Support scale, and a Rumination scale. FINDINGS: The mean PTGI score among OEF and OIF amputees (N= 56) was 59.1 (SD= 23). Rumination showed the strongest correlation with PTG: r= .43, p= .001. There was a small positive relationship between postdeployment social support and PTG: r= .24, p= .039. No statistically significant correlation between PTG and time since amputation was found in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: As proposed in the PTG model, the findings of this study support the benefit of rumination or cognitive processing of the traumatic event and postdeployment social support in the process of developing PTG following a major combat-related amputation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Following a life-threatening war injury, the patient's worldview is dramatically altered or shattered. Old assumptions and belief systems are rebuilt in the acute phase, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. The struggle in the aftermath of the traumatic event that results in personal transformation is known as PTG. Nurses contribute to a patient's physical and psychosocial adjustment by cultivating an environment in which the patient can explore and cognitively process the traumatic event and the resulting injury. Postdeployment social support in the form of emotional support (comforting gestures) or instrumental support (providing tangible goods or services) can be a means to foster PTG.