The Sampling strategy

The Sampling Method

The sampling method is used to analyze the population of interest so that the findings can be used to generalize to the complete population. The approach is important, especially when the target population is large enough that the researcher cannot evaluate each individual (Brink et.al, 2006). The study’s focus is overcrowding in emergency rooms, and the research will be undertaken in five hospitals. Because the study will involve nurses and patients, a stratified sampling approach will be used. When the persons involved are heterogeneous but form discrete homogeneous groups, stratified sampling works well.

Research Population and Instruments

The research population includes patients and the nurses from five hospitals with the expected number being ten patients and ten nurses from each hospital; giving a total of 100 participants. The patients to be considered will be between the ages of 20 and 50 with the focus being on those with terminal illnesses. Ethical considerations such us confidentiality, and respect for privacy will be put into consideration to prevent conflict between the researcher and the sample population. The instruments to be employed include structured interviews, close-ended questionnaires, and observation. The purpose of using structured interviews is to get an in-depth perspective of the patients and the nurses on their views regarding the effects of overcrowding. The purpose of using close-ended questionnaires is to save on time, especially for the nurses and also to prevent any form of bias in the provided information. The purpose of observations is to analyze the verbal and non-verbal cues exhibited by nurses and patients, the time spent on a patient in addition to the quality of care (Terrell, 2012). The structured interviews in addition to filling the questionnaires will take place when the sample population is available. It will involve checking schedules of the nurses such that the interviews and filling of the questionnaires do not interfere with their schedules. The estimated time of the interviews is between twenty to thirty minutes for both the nurses and the patients.

References

Brink, H., Van der Walt, C., & Van Rensburg, G. (2006). Fundamentals of research methodology for health care professionals (1st ed.). Cape Town: Juta.

Terrell, S. R. (2012). Mixed-methods research methodologies. The qualitative report, 17(1), 254-280.