A lack of compliance
You have been asked to determine why older adults do not follow their doctor’s orders well (a lack of compliance). There are statistics to show this to be an issue, but you have been asked to study this problem qualitatively. What rationale would you provide to justify the use of a qualitative case study to research this issue? How would you make sure that your study is in alignment with your problem, purpose, and research questions? Explain.
Sample Solution
Qualitative case studies provide an in-depth look at individuals, allowing further understanding of their behavior in the context of their environment. Qualitative methods are often appropriate when trying to understand why people do not follow doctor’s orders (a lack of compliance) among older adults. A qualitative case study can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing older adults’ decisions and attitudes regarding doctor’s orders that lead them to non-compliance. This type of research allows for the exploration of participants’ views, values and beliefs on the topic (Bryman & Bell, 2015).
To ensure my study is in alignment with the problem, purpose, and research questions, I would need to start by clearly stating my research question(s). My purpose statement should also include what I hope to learn from this investigation and how it could potentially help address this issue. Knowing this information will allow me to design a qualitative case study that will adequately answer these queries.
I would then need to carefully select my sample population so that it reflects those affected by non-compliance: typically elderly people who are taking medications or going through treatments prescribed by doctors but who may or may not be following these instructions correctly. Different sampling strategies could involve reaching out through medical institutions or community centers frequented by elderly individuals (Bryman & Bell, 2015).
Once I have collected enough data from interviews with participants — such as their thoughts on doctor’s orders; any obstacles they encounter which prevent them from adhering; challenges they face particularly when being prescribed medication — I am able to begin analyzing it using coding procedures and other methods appropriate for qualitative analysis (Golafshani 2003). Through this analysis process, patterns can emerge about why some elderly don’t follow their doctor’s orders which can form part of a conclusion about reasons for non-compliance among older adults in general.
By doing all these steps thoroughly and accurately throughout my research process—from designing a methodologically sound approach right down until drawing conclusions—I can ensure that my study is in perfect alignment with its original problem, purpose and questions posed while effectively addressing an important issue today amongst elders today: Non-Compliance with Doctor Orders.
