Critical incident technique: a user’s guide for nurse researchers
- 14 December 2007
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Advanced Nursing
- Vol. 61 (1), 107-114
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04490.x
Abstract
Title. Critical incident technique: a user’s guide for nurse researchers Aim. This paper is a description of the development and processes of the critical incident technique and its applicability to nursing research, using a recently-conducted study of the Australian nursing workforce as an exemplar. Issues are raised for consideration prior to the technique being put into practice. Background. Since 1954, the critical incident technique has been used to study people’s activities in a variety of professions. This five-step technique can be modified for specific settings and research questions. The fruitfulness of a study using the technique relies on gaining three important pieces of information. First, participants’ complete and rich descriptions of the situation or event to be explored; secondly, the specific actions of the person/s involved in the event to aid understanding of why certain decisions were made; thirdly, the outcome of the event, to ascertain the effectiveness of the behaviour. As in other qualitative methodologies, an inductive analysis process can be used with the critical incident technique. Findings. Rich contextual information can be obtained using this technique. It generates information and uncovers tacit knowledge through assisting participants to describe their thought processes and actions during the event. Use of probing questions that determine how participants take part in certain events, or act in the ways they do, greatly enhances the outcome. A full interpretation of the event can only occur when all its aspects are provided. Conclusion. The critical incident technique is a practical method that allows researchers to understand complexities of the nursing role and function, and the interactions between nurses and other clinicians.Keywords
This publication has 12 references indexed in Scilit:
- Critical incident technique as a qualitative research methodAORN Journal, 2001
- The critical incident technique and nursing care quality researchJournal of Advanced Nursing, 2000
- Quality of nursing care perceived by patients and their nurses: an application of the critical incident technique. Part 1Journal of Clinical Nursing, 1999
- Evolution of the species ‘expert nurse’. An examination of the practical knowledge held by expert nursesJournal of Clinical Nursing, 1998
- Critical incidents, crucial issues: insights into the working lives of registered nursesJournal of Clinical Nursing, 1997
- Developing reflective practice in mental health nursing through critical incident analysisJournal of Advanced Nursing, 1995
- Exploring consumer views of care provided by the Macmillan nurse using the critical incident techniqueJournal of Advanced Nursing, 1993
- Developing Flanagan's critical incident technique to elicit indicators of high and low quality nursing care from patients and their nursesJournal of Advanced Nursing, 1992
- FROM NOVICE TO EXPERTThe American Journal of Nursing, 1984
- The critical incident technique.Psychological Bulletin, 1954