Ethnography has become more popular as a research method and research councils such as the ESRC and AHRC, and government departments including Health and Social Care, Work and Pensions, and Education have actively sought data from ethnographic studies This is evident from the varied contributors within this Handbook Increased popularity, of course, does not mean increased acceptance This handbook explores new agendas in ethnographic research in healthcare The chapters highlight that qualitative methods are both exploratory and produce outcomes which are generalizable and of high value for patients, doctors, nurses, and all professionals within healthcare The handbook provides an up-to-date reference point for ethnography in healthcare research Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, the chapters offer a holistic view of ethnography within medical contexts This edited volume is organized around major methodological themes, such as ethics, interviews, narrative analysis, and mixed methods Through the use of case studies, it illustrates how methodological considerations for ethnographic healthcare research are distinct from those in other fields The book details content on the methodological facets of undertaking ethnography for prospective researchers to help them to conduct research in both an ethical and safe manner It highlights important issues such as the role of the researcher as the key research instrument, exploring how one's social behaviours enable the researcher to 'get closer' to his/her participants and thus uncover original phenomena Furthermore, it invites critical discussion of applied methodological strategies within the global academic community by pushing forward the use of ethnography to enhance the body of knowledge in the field The book offers an original guide for advanced students, prospective ethnographers, and healthcare professionals aiming to utilize this methodological approach (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Handbook of ethnography in healthcare research