GATHERING RESEARCH DATA
WITH CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES
Neill S J,
Centre for Healthcare Education,
University College Northampton, UK
Objective: To share experiences of data gathering
with children and their families in the home setting.
Methods: The content of this paper will be drawn from a
grounded theory study of children and families experiences of acute
childhood illness at home. Acute childhood illness at home constitutes the
majority of childhood illness, yet little is known about the experiences of
children and their families at these times (Neill 2000). This research is
focused on developing an understanding of family processes, needs and
decision making at these times. Data is gathered through family interviews
with the adult family members, whilst the draw and write technique
(Pridmore & Bendelow 1995) is used with the children in the family,
including the affected child.
Results: Early data collection from the
family groups in the first phase of data collection will be presented with
an emphasis on sharing experiences of conducting such interviews in the
home setting.
Conclusions: Conclusions will be draw
concerning effective approaches to data collection in the home setting from
whole family groups.
References: Neill
SJ (2000) Acute childhood illness at home: the parent’s perspective.
Journal of Advanced Nursing. 31. 4. 821-832 Pridmore P & Bendelow G
(1995) Images of health: exploring beliefs of children using the
‘draw-and-write’ technique. Health Education Journal. 54. 473-488