Analysis of Qualitative Research Published by Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing

Park, Hyoung Sook; Kim, Young Mi

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to analyze reports of qualitative research published in Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing (JKAFN).
METHODS
Twenty four qualitative research studies using in-depth interviews and focus group interviews published in JKAFN from 1994 to 2014 were selected for analysis. Chosen reports were analyzed by consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ), which is a reporting guideline for qualitative research. COREQ consists of 32 items and 3 domains.
RESULTS
In the 1st domain, the relationship of researchers and research participants, bias and understanding of the researchers on the study phenomenon were analyzed less than other items. In the 2nd domain, methodological research was carried out across various qualitative studies, but the description of the research environment and research questions for the interview guidelines was insufficient. In the 3rd domain, research results and data were consistent, but data showing opposing content and explanations of negative practices were not done at all.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate a need for the development of evaluation tools for qualitative research and items should be added to improve the reliability and validity, research should be related to the ethics in the framework of the COREQ.