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Chapter 4 Research Method
documentation were gathered by the researcher (one set for each resident). In order
to ensure confidentiality and anonymity each resident’s set of documentation was
assigned a code. These sets were then photocopied on the unit and all identifiable
information was erased on the copies and replaced with the assigned code. The
copies were then removed from the unit for analysis.
4.7.2 Development of the Documentary Analysis Tool
The audit tool for the documentary analysis of the residents’ sets of documentation
was developed from the concept analysis. The elements of resident autonomy were
delineated from the concept analysis of resident autonomy and these became part of
the audit tool. Each resident’s set of documentation was examined for the presence
or absence of these elements using this audit tool (Appendix 9). Some of the
elements of the concept analysis were two fold and therefore these were separated
into two items for audit. For example one attribute of autonomy is that “a) residents
delegate care needs based on the b) right to self-determination and the rights of older
people”. Therefore in the audit tool this attribute became two auditable items: a)
residents delegate care needs and b) self-governing, self ruling and self determining.
For the purpose of the documentary analysis each attribute was described in terms of
what would be evident within the residents’ set of documentation. Examples were
provided on the audit tool which detailed what the researcher needed to look for in
order to confirm whether or not the attribute was evident.For example the attribute
“self-governing, self ruling and self determining” provided the example “evidence
that resident has been involved in making choices. Resident chose to stay in bed.
Resident requested a different dinner. Resident chose clothing. Resident chose to go
to day room etc.”
This audit tool specifically stated what the researcher needed to see written/
documented in the sets of documentation. The tool itself was photocopied 38 times
(one for each resident). If an element was evident it was ticked on the tool and
examples were also written onto the tool. The findings from each audit tool could
then be collated in order to determine which elements of autonomy were in practice
in the unit and which weren’t. The results from this analysis will be discussed in the
findings chapter.