The search for meaning in health care inquiries: introducing qualitative meaning analysis

PurposeTo describe how Qualitative Meaning Analysis (QMA), based on a lifeworld theoretical approach, can be made accessible to students and researchers not well-versed in the philosophy of science or qualitative research. Additionally, to demonstrate that it is a more rigorous approach than qualitative content analysis in guiding healthcare inquiries.MethodIn recent years, qualitative approaches in nurse education and research have increasingly relied on various content analytical procedures. Liberated from clear philosophical underpinnings, they offer a seemingly pragmatic stance to nursing inquiries. However, by prioritizing 'sorting content' over the exploration of meaning, there's a risk of adopting a mechanistic approach to qualitative analysis. This is problematic because we contend that the search for meaning lies at the heart of qualitative inquiry in nursing and healthcare research, dealing with existential phenomena surrounding health, illness, and care.ResultThis paper explores the search for meaning in health care research, particularly in nursing, and introduces key epistemological aspects. It also discusses practical considerations to further familiarize and encourage the use of QMA in graduate nursing education and research.ConclusionQualitative inquiry with a focus on meaning is a powerful means when the intention is to develop person-centered care, and the relationship between the professionals and patients is in focus. Such an approach has the potential to illuminate existential suffering as well as innate health capacities in patients.