Methodological issues surrounding the use of vignettes in qualitative research

Abstract

Health and social care provision is increasingly complex, involving different professional groups whilst also encompassing a large number of different agencies. Each group and agency has its own underpinning philosophy and language, all of which contribute to the complexity of interprofessional working. Vignettes have the potential to collect data from each group and agency with minimal use of resources and disruption. This paper considers that potential by using as an exemplar a study which explored the understanding of role and its impact on interprofessional collaboration through the perceptions of district nurses and social workers. The trustworthiness of vignettes, in particular their rigour as a data collection tool, is explored to support their use in qualitative research in the field of interprofessional working.

Key Words:

• Vignettes
• trustworthiness
• decision trail
• philosophies of care
• language
• role