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Pilot interviews were conducted prior to the main study.
4.9.2 Pilot Interviews
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Chapter 4 Research Method
The suitability of the interview guide for staff (nurses and healthcare assistants) and
for residents (male and female) needed to be tested prior to commencement of the
interviews in the research site. Four pilot interviews were conducted (one with a
nurse, one with a HCA, one with a female resident and one with a male resident)
(Table 4.4).
Table 4.4: Participants for pilot interviews
Nursing Staff Healthcare Assistants Residents
01 01 02
The purpose of the pilot interviews was to examine the extent to which the interview
guide elicited the information sought, to identify any other important related issues,
and to assess the effectiveness of the interview technique and recording equipment.
The pilot was undertaken in another residential unit so that the researcher could still
recruit from the entire population of the research unit. This residential unit was
similar to the actual research unit. It was a public long-stay facility with wards, day
rooms and the same staffing structure. Again it was “typical” of a public residential
facility. Information sheets were distributed to the staff that explained the purpose of
the pilot and invited participation. Anonymity was guaranteed. Two staff members
subsequently volunteered (one nurse and one healthcare assistant) and written
consent was obtained.
The staff nurses on the pilot unit suggested residents who may be interested in
participating. These residents were then approached by the researcher and following
introductions, the pilot was explained to the residents and they were given an
information sheet. The researcher answered any questions that they had. The
residents were then asked to think about whether or not they wanted to participate
and were given at least 24 hours to contemplate this. Two residents subsequently
volunteered and written consent was obtained.