Perceptions
...development, healthcare practice or simply furthering our understanding of society. As researchers, we are thus called to focus our efforts on exploring the different social contexts experienced by individuals, communities and organisations. This requires us to perfect our understanding of issues by considering a variety of opinions, viewpoints or perspectives in specific contexts. It means moving research away from a 'simulated environment' and venturing into the 'real world' where life experiences and expectations are played out.
to examine and develop their understanding of people's experiences and expectations in the situations where they take place. It tries to make sense of the world, not only by presenting the findings from the viewpoint of the individuals involved, but also by embedding the social context of that experience in the research process. The context in which experiences occur are a key strength of the value of ethnography in enabling service providers, healthcare professionals and policy makers to use the results of research in initiating, developing or evaluating healthcare and social care practice.
The authors in this issue highlight the challenges and opportunities in using various forms of ethnographic methods and approaches in their research practice. Their accounts are enlightening and thought-provoking. The commentary accompanying the themed papers is written to provide a critical and useful introduction to ethnography and its application to our work as researchers.
Finally, I will end by highlighting an amendment from the previous issue. In Professor Elizabeth Anionwu's 'Making my Mark' article, a typographical error crept in, identifying her as a professor of 'pursing'. It should, of course, have read professor of nursing. Apologies to Elizabeth -- happy retirement.
This research used descriptive, written scenarios to test the...
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