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Grounded theory or phenomenological research?….Yes, theories like TAM, DOI and others already explain behavior, but what is needed are interventions

My early morning consuming thought….

Another class started yesterday….the more I learn the more I realize how much I do not know….we must continue to assess our assumptions and test our premises.

Grounded theory or phenomenological research? That is the question I need to answer this semester as I hone my proposal.

At first I thought to take a grounded theory approach BUT upon further consideration it seems like my reality will be a phenomenological study.

Definitions:

“Grounded theory (GT) is a systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the construction of theory through the analysis of data. Grounded theory is a research methodology which operates almost in a reverse fashion from social science research in the positivist tradition.”

“The focus of phenomenological inquiry is what people experience in regard to some phenomenon or other and how they interpret those experiences. A phenomenological research study is a study that attempts to understand people’s perceptions, perspectives and understandings of a particular situation (or phenomenon).”

My initial assumptions were that the resistance and lag in adopting health information technology (HIT) by behavioral health providers were due to some theory of resistance or behavior other than the practical barriers reported in the literature. After further inquiry and learning I am changing my approach to be more practical.

Yes, theories like TAM, DOI and others already explain behavior, but what is needed are interventions, not a new theory (at least not at this time in my studies).

What can be done to overcome the barriers? Why is it important to overcome the barriers?

To overcome the barriers we need a technological solution that assures confidence in privacy and security of patient information and healthcare data. It is important to overcome the barriers to promoting and supporting the integrated care and improved outcome for the patient. It is also import to reduce the cost of care for these patients as well as the overall social impact of not providing an integrated plan of care between primary care and behavioral health.

Ahhhh….that felt good….thinking it through….thanks for listening to my random thoughts….I’m PhD-ing at 4:00AM…now to get ready for work….I’d love to hear your thoughts if this is a subject that also interests you…..Adios!

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