Essential Question:

1. How does one present the data and findings in a qualitative, descriptive study?

Qualitative descriptive studies culminate with a report that includes a focused summary of meaning of experience and contextual factors that shape that experience (Willis, Sullivan-Bolyai, Khafl & Cohen, 2016). Data are presented at a low level of interpretation. When a researcher presents the findings of a qualitative, descriptive study, he or she transforms detailed summaries of ideas, themes or concepts relayed by participants into practical educational or behavioral interventions (Willis et al., 2016).  

Kim, Sefcik, and Bradway (2017) reviewed 55 articles that espoused use of a qualitative, descriptive design. Presentation of findings is summarized below.

• All researchers presented findings with detailed descriptions of themes and categories.
• 18 studies described participant experiences related to health care, interventions, or illnesses.
• 15 studies presented descriptions related to facilitators, challenges, factors, reasons and causes.
• 11 studies included participant descriptions of a specific care strategy, interventions or programs.
• 3 studies included data organized and presented as related to the conceptual model.
• Others included: findings based on processes and themes or focused on presentation of findings based on different perspectives (2).

Lambert and Lambert (2012) noted the presentation of data includes a direct, descriptive summary of the informational contents in data, organization in a logical method. The organization of data depends on the researcher and the manner in which data were reduced. Data can be arranged by:

• time of occurrence
• frequency of mention
• categories/subcategories
• actual or reverse chronological order of events
• most prevalent to least prevalent
• themes
• broad context of an event narrowed down to more specific cases 
• describing an event from the perspective of more than one participant.

 The final report can be differentiated based on the type of analysis conducted. When preparing the final report when thematic analysis was used, the researcher selects vivid, persuasive excerpts from interviews. The results are then tied back to the research questions, theoretical framework, and literature (Viasmoradi, Turunun & Bondas, 2013).   When preparing the report resulting from content analysis, the researcher can describe the analysis process and present findings with models, conceptual maps, categories, and a story line.

 The outcome, although varied, includes a descriptive summary of the selected event(s) organized in such a way that the findings will be presented, in the most relevant manner, for the audience for whom it was written. The results or findings can then be applied to the larger community through publication of manuscripts, poster presentations, conference presentations, summary reports for consumers, and can even spark policy discussions.

References

 Lambert, V.A. & Lambert, C.E. (October-December 2012). Qualitative descriptive research: An acceptable design. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research. 16(4). 255-256.

 Kim, Sefcik, & Bradway (2017, November). Characteristics of qualitative descriptive studies: A systematic review. Res Nursing Health. 40(1): 23–42. doi:10.1002/nur.21768.

 Viasmoradi, M., Turunen, H. & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative, descriptive study. Nursing and Health Sciences, 15, 398-405. 

 Willis, D. G., Sullivan-Bolyai, S., Khafl, K. and Cohen, M. (2016). Distinguishing features and similarities between descriptive phenomenological and qualitative description research. Western Journal of Nursing Research. 38(9), 1185–1204