Abortion Using Misoprostol: A Qualitative Study

Qualitative research is "the investigation of phenomena, typically in an in-depth and holistic fashion, through the collection of rich narrative materials using a flexible research design" (Polit, Beck, and Hungler, 2001, p 469). Qualitative researchers focus on the descriptions and deeper meaning associated with the data collected. Another way to define qualitative research is to describe it as a type of research that involves interpreting non-numerical data. The next few pages will discuss the qualitative study report, "Having an Abortion Using Mifepristone and Home Misoprostol: A Qualitative Analysis of Women 's Experiences.

The Problem.

In health care, it is important that the research data used to support clinical practices is legitimate.
Women that chose to participate were given questionnaires during each phase of the study. The questionnaire had two open-ended questions: "What feelings or concerns are you experiencing?" and "What does having this procedure mean to you?" Women returned their questionnaires in a sealed envelope" (Fielding, Edmunds, & Schaff, 2002). This method was appropriate to protect the patient 's right to privacy and anonymity. Patient rights were protected through informed consent, routine privacy considerations, education regarding the medication affects and adverse effects. Patients were also provided medication to decrease pain related to cramping associated with medications used for the abortion process.

For qualitative research there is no requirement that the sample size be large, only that it provide data for analysis to determine the outcome. According to Fielding, Edmunds, & Schaff (2002), the non-probability sample was sufficiently large to achieve saturation, or the repetition of several themes. This is supported by the fact that women who were enrolled later in the study did not reveal new insights about guilt, anxiety or long-term side effects (Fielding, et all, 2002).

Data Analysis
This data is used to explore the complexity of human and nature. Qualitative researchers tend to "focus on the dynamic, holistic, and individual aspects of phenomena and attempt to capture those aspects, in their entirety, within the context of those experiencing them ((Polit, et al, p 15). The researcher wanted to assist clinicians identify appropriate clients for medical abortion and enable clinicians to provide appropriate psychological and physiological care for the medical abortion patient.. The results of this study identified that most women that have appropriate education regarding the efficacy and the process for medical abortion will chose the process over surgical abortion. Patients choose this method because it is less invasive, more private, and provides them more control over their