Search

Confronted with a range of methodological options, novice researchers often face the daunting dilemma of selecting a methodological route which best fits the purpose of their study. Following the decision-making process, all methodologies present challenges which need to be explored and addressed. This paper outlines the application of descriptive phenomenology for a doctoral study. Examples and insights are offered about how applied theoretical underpinnings can translate into research action. The central aim of descriptive phenomenology is to use first person accounts to clarify the essential meanings of defined phenomena. Therefore, attention is placed on how researchers can use the process of methodologically coherent bracketing to remain participant focussed. The metaphor of a stage play is used to illustrate the research process and identify issues relating to researcher positionality. A suggested prompt sheet is included to help readers practically consider the steps involved in undertaking a study using descriptive phenomenology. The paper concludes with the assertion that methodologically coherent descriptive phenomenology is a useful approach for gaining valuable understandings into human experience. This paper will be relevant for many disciplines and allied healthcare professionals who wish to consider descriptive phenomenology as an interesting and appropriate qualitative methodology. This paper seeks to provide an academic awareness into an established, yet growing methodology, providing methodological insights and an interdisciplinary recognition that descriptive phenomenology can be applied and implemented to support many areas of qualitative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To understand the barriers and facilitators to integrating new non-medical practitioners in general practices • To recognise the challenges associated with integrating new non-medical practitioners in general practices • To acknowledge that sustainable models of transdisciplinary working are needed to ensure that the general practice workforce can deliver safe, effective and responsive patient care General practices in England face workforce challenges because of insufficient numbers of GPs and practice nurses, combined with an increase in demand for services. One solution is to integrate new non-medical practitioners – such as advanced nurse practitioners, paramedics, pharmacists, physician associates and physiotherapists – in the general practice team. The integration of some of these roles is incentivised by the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme launched in 2019 for five years. This article reports on and discusses the findings of a scoping review of the recent literature on the barriers and facilitators to the integration of new non-medical practitioners in general practices in England. The review found that the integration of new non-medical practitioners faces many challenges and that sustainable models of transdisciplinary working are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]