Practicalities in doctorate research of using grounded theory methodology in understanding nurses’ behaviours when caring for culturally diverse patients

Abstract

This article provides a critical review of how grounded theory methodology was used to explore student and registered nurses' experiences of caring for culturally diverse patients, as part of a doctorate of philosophy. It illustrates how a continuous cycle of data collection, constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling was operationalised and explains how these methods were consistent with classic grounded theory methodology. It describes how a theory of resigned Indifference was generated, which explains how nurses used a raft of disengagement strategies as a means of dealing with their uncertainties, during cross cultural encounters. Disengagement was allowed and sometimes even facilitated within clinical practice and as a result nurses became indifferent to people they knew little about and appeared resigned that this was acceptable. This study highlights the need for greater consideration into how cultural competence development is taught, learnt and more importantly, applied in clinical practice. The detailed explanation of the methodology and methods used is intended to provide a practical guide for researchers considering using the methodology. It describes how new insights into nurses’ behaviours towards culturally diverse patients were generated, which has relevance and utility for practising nurses and nurse educators.