ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nominal group technique (NGT) is a highly structured, commonly used way of exploring areas of interest and developing consensus. However, it is sometimes conflated with focus group methods. AIM: To provide a rationale for selecting NGT as a research method and to examine its systematic application in a doctoral Q-methodology study exploring nursing students' perspectives of preserving dignity in care. DISCUSSION: An outline of NGT is provided, and it is distinguished from focus group methods. As well as providing a step-by-step guide to using NGT, each step is illustrated with its practical application in the study, and the lessons learned concerning the limitations and strengths of NGT in the context of one study are shared. CONCLUSION: When applied systematically, NGT enables nurse researchers to collaborate in a meaningful and engaging way with participants and generate tangible outcomes relatively quickly. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This paper offers practical insight into the use of NGT to explore perceptions and develop consensus.
Subject(s)
Consensus , Nursing Research/methods , Research Design , Focus Groups , Humans , Students, Nursing/psychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:: Despite growing interest in the potential of nursing education to enhance dignity in nursing care, relatively little is known about what dignity means to nursing students. RESEARCH QUESTION:: What meaning does dignity in nursing care have for nursing students? RESEARCH DESIGN:: Photo-elicitation was embedded within a Nominal Group Technique and responses were analysed by qualitative and quantitative content analysis. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT:: Participants were recruited from each year of a 3-year undergraduate preregistration adult nursing programme in Scotland. In total, 31 nursing students participated in the study. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland. FINDINGS:: Participants articulated the meaning of dignity in nursing care in terms of the relationships and feelings involved. A total of 10 categories of meaning were identified. DISCUSSION:: The significance of the nature of the nurse-patient interaction to preserving dignity in nursing care is highlighted. CONCLUSION:: Understanding the meaning of dignity for nursing students may help prepare future nurses more able to preserve dignity in nursing care.