A nurse researcher wants to determine obstacles to compliance with an intervention regimen. Which evidence is best?

In this scenario, the goal is to identify the obstacles to compliance with an intervention regimen. A qualitative study using focus groups is particularly well-suited for this purpose because it allows participants to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in depth. Focus groups facilitate an open dialogue where participants can share their perspectives on the intervention, including any challenges or barriers they face.

This method not only captures nuanced insights and diverse opinions but also helps the researcher to explore the underlying reasons behind non-compliance. The interactive nature of focus groups can lead to the identification of themes and issues that may not emerge through other methodologies, such as quantitative surveys or experimental studies, which tend to focus on measurable variables rather than the richness of personal experience.

In contrast, a quantitative survey provides numerical data that could indicate the level of compliance but wouldn’t effectively uncover the intricacies of participants' attitudes and feelings toward the intervention. Experimental studies generally focus on testing the efficacy of an intervention rather than exploring why individuals may not adhere to it. Longitudinal studies track changes over time, but might not delve deeply into the reasons behind non-compliance on their own. Thus, a qualitative approach using focus groups is the most effective method for collecting comprehensive, context-rich data that can illuminate the