Karen Francis

Bio: Karen Francis is an academic researcher from University of Tasmania. The author has contributed to research in topics: Health care & Grounded theory. The author has an hindex of 35, co-authored 212 publications receiving 7482 citations. Previous affiliations of Karen Francis include University of Adelaide & Australian Catholic University.

Examining the methods used for a critical ethnographic enquiry

Abstract: INTRODUCTIONEthnography, as an interpretive paradigm came to prominence in the 1900s through anthropological and sociological inquiry; however, in the 1960s, ethnography became emergent with health care studies especially in the medical and nursing arena. This re-emergence of ethnography as a suitable methodology for the health sciences provided humanism to describe and explain culturally specific phenomenon. Ethnography in this context was unable to determine political influences imputing, directing or preventing the phenomena under investigation. It was through the discourse of the Manchester (English) and Chicago (American) schools of eminent scholars debating this dilemma that Critical Ethnography was promoted, accepted and adopted by the emerging health research community.Critical Ethnography delves beneath the surface to examine the power relations and influences affecting the phenomenon by using field methods to identify the culture, the 'consciousness' or the 'lived experiences' of others, exposing the political, social and material disempowerment of individuals and disadvantaged groups in order to elicit change (Street 1992: 12). It is the method which articulates the substance and credence of an inquiry through its procedural rules, though according to Brewer (2000) method and methodology are inextricably linked especially when adopting a qualitative ethnographic approach. The method articulated in this paper is based on a critical ethnographic inquiry conducted by the researcher titled 'Endof-life care and palliative care for aged persons within a residential multi-purpose service: A critical ethnographic study'.PROGRESSING THE INQUIRYResearch extends, validates or provides new knowledge about a phenomenon, demonstrating its significance and scholarly value to peers and other interested parties. Scholarly inquiry first establishes the extent of the knowledge of the phenomenon under investigation prior to the commencement of the inquiry. Preliminary discussions and planning of where, when and how the study is to be conducted has to be determined preceding contact being made with the potential organisation, or holders of the subject material. Ethics approval was gained from the host university and the organisations ethics committee.JUSTIFICATION FOR CONDUCTING THE INQUIRYThe justification for conducting an inquiry in a multi-purpose service (MPS) was that little is known about the provision or delivery of end-of-life and palliative care within these facilities. The researcher consulted the literature and found it devoid of research studies conducted in MPSs, or by clinicians providing services to/ for or on behalf of an MPS. The area of interest for the researchers is the delivery of end-of-life and palliative care, as recently the government through the national palliative care program introduced the publication Guidelines JOT a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care ('the Guidelines') (Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing 2004) with an expectation that all residential aged care units would adopt and implement these guidelines. The study will provide new knowledge relating to the structure of MPSs, their provision of nursing care delivered to residents of a cohort deemed disadvantaged (institutionalised) and vulnerable (aged persons), living in such a location.METHODOLOGY AND METHODIt is the research question, which dictates the methodology; the theoretical and philosophical framework and therefore the method adopted for any inquiry (Denzin & Lincoln 2000; Minichiello et al. 2004; Polit & Beck 2004). The method is the structure and the process by which the inquiry is conducted; it provides the rigour and authenticity to the research findings allowing replication, scrutiny and validity. In more recent times nursing and medical research has been conducted to develop 'best practice' guidelines, informed by research inquiry (Taylor et al. …

Exploring social workers’ personal domains in rural practice

Abstract: • Summary: This article is grounded on Cheers, Darracott, and Lonne’s (2007) framework for conceptualizing the factors that influence rural social care practitioners in their work. Focusing on the ...

Moving grounded theory into the 21st century: Part 1 - An evolutionary tale

Abstract: Grounded theory methodology offers a practical approach to researching problems of significance to nursing practice. In the years since its introduction, grounded theory has transformed social science research and in the process has undergone its own evolution. The manifestations of this evolution have been the subject of much contention and debate, that could result in some confusion for the novice researcher and continued disputation over what constitutes grounded theory research. In a series of two articles, insights are offered into these evolutionary processes, untangling the complexities, making grounded theory user-friendly rather than convoluted. In part one, the authors present a discussion of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of grounded theory in the context of the evolutionary forces that have shaped its development. Glaserian, Straussian and Contructivist traditions are discussed and debated. In part two of this series, the methodological principles and procedures that characterise grounded theory are examined within each of these evolutionary perspectives.

Becoming professional by degrees: A grounded theory study of nurses in Malaysian Borneo

Abstract: Professionalism is an essential and expected trait that nurses in all areas and at all levels of practice should possess. Development of a professional identity does not happen by chance but is reliant on a number of factors that combine to imbue professional characteristics within the nurse. Education is recognised as a crucial element in professional identity development for nurses. Post-registration degree courses are an important means by which registered nurses can access tertiary education in order to further develop as professionals. This paper describes the process of becoming professional for registered nurses in Malaysian Borneo who undertook baccalaureate studies through an off-campus course. As part of a larger grounded theory study, the findings presented here explain the process of becoming professional as experienced by these nurses. The various dimensions of self, nurse and professional were fused through this process, ensuring that the outcomes of degree study were significant and empowering. The findings of this research demonstrate that post-registration baccalaureate nursing studies are an effective means by which professional identity development can be achieved.

Document Analysis as a Qualitative Research Method

Abstract: This article examines the function of documents as a data source in qualitative research and discusses document analysis procedure in the context of actual research experiences. Targeted to research novices, the article takes a nuts‐and‐bolts approach to document analysis. It describes the nature and forms of documents, outlines the advantages and limitations of document analysis, and offers specific examples of the use of documents in the research process. The application of document analysis to a grounded theory study is illustrated.

The archaeology of knowledge

Abstract: We may not be able to make you love reading, but archaeology of knowledge will lead you to love reading starting from now. Book is the window to open the new world. The world that you want is in the better stage and level. World will always guide you to even the prestige stage of the life. You know, this is some of how reading will give you the kindness. In this case, more books you read more knowledge you know, but it can mean also the bore is full.