Being person-centred in qualitative interviews: reflections on a process

Abstract

Background: In this article we reflect on the experience of the first author (Berit Margrethe Sandvik) of conducting seven qualitative research interviews with public health nurses trained in parenting guidance by the International Child Development Programme at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The interviews focused on how the nurses use a particular set of competencies in their daily work at the health centre. A person-centred practice framework was used to reflect on whether person-centred prerequisites and processes could be recognised in the completed interview processes, and how a greater focus on a person-centred approach could improve the quality of data collection. The results of this reflection are presented in this paper.

Aim: To understand how a researcher can use person-centred principles to facilitate qualitative interviews.

Findings: Being reflexive is essential to a person-centred approach in qualitative research interviews. It relates to the researcher’s ability to facilitate an engagement that promotes authenticity, self- determination and reciprocity. Knowing oneself without letting conscious or unconscious values and perceptions overshadow the opportunities that arise in gaining an understanding of the participant’s values and perceptions is essential. Through being vigilant in all senses, an holistic, mutually respectful dialogue can be created, through which new knowledge and understandings can be generated.

Conclusion: It is important to consider person-centredness in the planning and undertaking of research methods. While there is an increasing evidence base about person-centredness in health and social care practice, there continues to be a dearth of publications that focus on its role in research methods.