Bridging distance and culture with a cyberspace method of qualitative analysis

ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2004 Jul-Sep;27(3):176-86. doi: 10.1097/00012272-200407000-00003.

Abstract

This article describes a qualitative research method that weds the cyberspace technology of e-mail with a phenomenological research approach. Examples are provided from 2 separate data sets. One data set explored the meaning of health for Japanese elders; the second explored Chinese nurses' experience of taking care of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome. Lessons learned while using the cyberspace method are discussed, including guidance for organizing a long-distance research team, the central place of trust, and the time when e-mail communication demands to be supplemented with face-to-face interaction. The potential for bridging distance and culture with this cyberspace method is introduced for consideration and critique.

MeSH terms

  • Aged / psychology
  • Attitude to Health
  • China
  • Culture*
  • Data Collection / methods*
  • Electronic Mail*
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Nursing Research / methods*
  • Qualitative Research*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / nursing