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interviews will then be transcribed and coded as each new theme emerges.
The themes will then be mapped; identifying overarching themes and subdivided
to allow for effective synthesis and exploration of the data. If it is appropriate to
employ the use of numerical data to aid in the descriptive analysis it will be
considered for the study.
Summary
Just prior to commencing the recruitment and interviews of participants, the
world faced the global pandemic of Covid-19.
Deliberation to select a new or adjusted project was given, however at this time it
was the beginning on the Covid-19 response and there were many unknown
quantities that made this unachievable. Firstly, from my learning journey in
research methods, there were efficacy issues evident when exploring an
alternative research question. There was no clear rationale that could be
appropriately linked to the literature that was also within the scope of timing and
resources available. On reflection with my academic tutor, it was felt that it would
have been completing a study largely for the experience of the practical
application. Whilst this may have been in line with my wider learning needs, it
was not in the spirit of good research principles, which I have not only come to
understand through this process but also to respect. Secondly, I had to give
consideration to the resources that would have still been required to complete a
study. Namely, the time of my colleagues as participants, and my own time as a
researcher in practice. The Covid-19 pandemic called for a collective response,
and as front line workers, there was a professional responsibility to be fully
available to assist as needed.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Covid-19 saw fast and somewhat radical public health measures, free of the
bureaucracy that often defines modern government. However the responses to
health measures were in no way matched in support for social needs. The
literature explored pointed to the interconnectedness of physical, psychological
and social needs in maintaining individuals overall health and wellbeing. And
further, that both the literature and the current pandemic have highlighted the
significant role of social work in actioning change and bridging gaps.
Thus in the current climate, the potential, or even enhanced value, of the
proposed study, in gathering the voices of hospital social workers experiences of
assessing older people's needs, remains evident and important.