The benefits of computer-mediated communication in nursing research
Leah East
School of Nursing, Family and Community Health, College of Social and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Penrith South NSW
Debra Jackson
Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), Broadway NSW
Louise O'Brien
School of Nursing Family and Community Health and Western Sydney Area Health Service, Cumberland Hospital, Parramatta NSW
Kathleen Peters
School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Science, University of Western Sydney, Sydney NSW
PP: 83 - 87
Abstract
Use of the Internet, and the opportunity to utilise computer-mediated communication (CMC) provides new alternatives for nurse researchers to collect data. The use of CMC for research purposes is advantageous for both researchers and participants.
Through this mode of communication, recruitment of participants can be enhanced through reaching individuals who are geographically distant, and nurses have the opportunity to provide participants with true anonymity, which may be beneficial when exploring sensitive issues.
This paper explores the existing literature and draws on healthcare studies that have used CMC as a data collection tool.
Keywords
nursing, research, data collection method, computer-mediated communication, participants
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