Qualitative Outcome Analysis: Evaluating Nursing Interventions for Complex Clinical Phenomena

PURPOSE: To describe a method that allows evaluating nursing interventions derived from a qualitative research project, and that shows appropriate interventions. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK: Qualitative research has expanded over the last decade and has contributed significantly to understanding patients' experiences of health, illness, and injury. Yet the value of qualitative research in determining clinical interventions and subsequently evaluating the effects of these interventions on patients' outcomes has been limited. This method is used to confirm the efficacy of nursing interventions when experience changes over time, to extend the repertoire of intervention strategies, and to further clinicians' understanding of possible outcomes. DESIGN: From a completed study, Qualitative Outcome Analysis (QOA) enhances the identification of meaningful intervention strategies and plans for utilization. The researcher identifies the type of qualitative data that will enable the interpretation and evaluation of interventions, devises a means of data recording and analysis, and finally, disseminates the findings. CONCLUSIONS: QOA is a systematic means to confirm the applicability of clinical strategies developed from a single qualitative project, to extend the repertoire of clinical interventions, and to evaluate clinical outcomes.