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WOUND CARE

Chapter Three: Research Design, Methodology and Procedures

In this chapter, the research question, conceptual framework, methodology, sampling and

recruitment strategy, data collection procedures and instruments along with the ethical

considerations of the study are presented. The scientific quality (i.e., validity and reliability) and

limitations are also discussed. Based on the literature review and inconsistencies in current

practice at the local Radiation Oncology Centre where I am working, it is meaningful to gather a

national picture regarding wound management during cancer radiotherapy.

Purpose and Research Questions

The purpose of the thesis is to describe current evidence and practice in relation to wound

dressings during cancer radiotherapy with the aim of developing the foundation for best practice

and further research. This purpose was achieved through a mixed method approach that

incorporated a literature review, along with a national environmental scan involving a short

online survey followed by semi-structured interviews with nurses and consensus-building with

key stakeholders.

In mixed methods studies, the research questions are the motivating force behind the

scope of the inquiry (Polit & Beck, 2012). The overarching goal of each of the following two

mixed methods research questions requires a different type of data and approach. The research

questions giving specific direction to Phase II: Environmental scan survey and Phase III:

Qualitative telephone interviews of the project are:

 What is the current practice in Cancer Agencies with regards to wound dressing

during radiotherapy across Canada?

 How do nurses perceive their role in clinical decision-making and inter-

professional relationships in this matter?