Reflexivity on an Empirical Study regarding Cancer Care

Authors

  • Kirsti Kvåle Betanien University College
  • Oddgeir Synnes Betanien University College
  • Frode Fadnes Jacobsen Bergen University College

Abstract

Findings from an empirical, qualitative study conducted by the first author regarding cancer patients' perceptions of good nursing care have previously been published. In this article, the entire research process of the study is analyzed and discussed in light of the social theories of Erving Goffman (1959, 1986), arriving at some complementary interpretations of the findings. Reflections are made specifically based on his theories concerning the interactional frames and the presentation of self in everyday life. The interviewer and the informants entered the interview situation from very different standpoints, with different expectations and objectives, social roles, theoretical backgrounds, and positions within the power structure of the clinical setting. Those differences naturally influence the interaction in the interview situation, not the least of which includes the self-presentation of the patients. The complementary insight dealt with in this article provides an important background for improving nursing care in practice as well as when planning further research.

Author Biographies

Kirsti Kvåle, Betanien University College

Institute for Nursing Senior lecturer Mcs

Oddgeir Synnes, Betanien University College

Asscociate Professor Phd.

Frode Fadnes Jacobsen, Bergen University College

Professor , Phd.

Downloads

Published

2015-06-11

Issue

Section

Articles