A grounded theory pilot study: Exploring the perceptions of patient advocacy in a Saudi Arabian critical care context

Aim: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the applicability, feasibility and practicality of a constructivist-grounded theory design to explore the perceptions of patient advocacy amongst Saudi Arabian Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses and to assess the effectiveness of the data collection methodology. Background: Patient advocacy for all patients in a critical care setting is essential as a component of patient safety. However, data, information and knowledge pertaining to Saudi Arabian ICU nurses' perceptions of patient advocacy in the critical care setting are currently non-existent. Methods: The pilot study used a constructionist-grounded theory approach with a purposive sample of five Saudi Arabian ICU nurses. The data were collected using single participant semi-structured interviews which were guided by the individual participant's responses. A reflective participant journal and a follow-up focus group interview were also employed. Results: The findings of the study confirmed that a constructivist-grounded theory design was a feasible and logical approach to explore the perceptions of patient advocacy amongst Saudi Arabian ICU nurses. It also highlighted important implications for all Saudi Arabian nurses and their indigenous patients, which would ultimately enhance patient outcomes and safety. The pilot study also validated the efficacy of the data collection strategies, with the participants' approval that data collection transpired without prompting or forcing the data by the researcher. Conclusions: As novice researcher, the pilot study provided a discerning introduction to grounded theory as a research methodology. It also confirmed that a grounded theory approach was apt to explore the perceptions of patient advocacy amongst Saudi Arabian ICU nurses, in addition to being an effective participant recruitment strategy and a data collection and analysis tool.