The Challenge of Multiple Roles in the Qualitative Clinician Researcher-Participant Client Relationship

Abstract

Fundamental to obtaining data for qualitatie, fleld-based studies is the relationship between researcher and participant. Although sociological, anthropological, and feminist perspectives have identified some of the concerns that arise when relationships develop in the context of research, the health sciences literature provides limited information for clinicians as researchers, particularly in home settings. This article discusses the multidimensional relationships that developed between researcher and participants during an exploratory study of enrichment processes in family caregiving to frail elders. The data collection processes of intensive interviews and observations revealed the following unintended relationships: stranger-stranger, friend-friend, nurse-client, and guest-host. Suggested are topics for additional discussion regarding the experience of researcher-participant relationships in the home setting.