Data Collection Plan 1

Data Collection Plan

Student’s Name:

Institution Affiliation:

Course:

Date:
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Central Hospital has recently received consecutive negative reviews regarding various

elements of patient satisfaction, and these reviews have gained a lot of attention in the media.

Therefore, I have to come up with a data collection plan to assist Central Hospital in its larger

initiative of investigating patient satisfaction. A Data Collection Plan is a well-thought-out

approach to collecting both baseline data as well as data that can provide clues to the root cause.

The plan includes where to collect data, how to collect it when to collect it, and who will do the

collecting. Following the online patient reviews it is clear that a thorough investigation has to be

done in the hospital. As a team, we have to enhance Patient Trust by demonstrating transparency

and a commitment to improvement can enhance patient trust and loyalty. For instance, the

patient who complained about being kept for almost two hours after requesting an off time from

work should be promised that next time they will enquire about such patients so that they can be

attended to first. Also, the central hospital will be strict when hiring office workers to avoid rude

workers as well as interpreters in case some patients cannot express themselves in English. The

team would also ensure patients are informed by making such data publicly available because

potential patients make more informed decisions about where to seek care based on the

satisfaction ratings of previous patients.

For the above data needs to be achieved the team should collect relevant information from the

patients. Data is a collection of facts, figures, objects, symbols, and events gathered from

different sources. Organizations collect data with various data collection methods to make better

decisions. Without data, it would be difficult for organizations to make appropriate decisions, so

data is collected from different audiences at various points in time (Staff, 2022). You can

categorize data collection methods into primary methods of data collection and secondary
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methods of data collection. Primary data is collected from first-hand experience and is not used

in the past. The data gathered by primary data collection methods are specific to the research’s

motive and highly accurate. Primary data collection methods can be divided into two

categories: quantitative methods and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods usually use

statistical tools so it will not be applicable in our case. Qualitative methods are used where there

are no historical records. In our case, we will use the qualitative data collection methods. They

include questionnaires, interviews, observations, focus groups, experiments, and open-ended

surveys. The data collected through these methods can then be analyzed and used to support or

refute research hypotheses and draw conclusions about the study’s subject matter.

Interviews - -one-on-one interviews are one of the most commonly used data collection methods

in qualitative research because they allow you to collect highly personalized information directly

from the source. Interviews explore participants' opinions, motivations, beliefs, and experiences

and are particularly beneficial in gathering data on sensitive topics because respondents are more

likely to open up in a one-on-one setting than in a group environment. Although you can gauge

the honesty of the interviewee, a one-on-one interview consumes a lot of time.

Focus groups - Focus groups are effective in gathering information based on collective views.

The size of the group should be considered. This method saves time compared to an interview

but participants might give dishonest answers since they might be uncomfortable with each

other.
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Observation - It involves virtually no cognitive input from the participants themselves.

Researchers simply observe subjects and their reactions during their regular routines and take

detailed field notes from which to draw information. Since each researcher is as unique as every

participant, they will have their own inherent biases. Therefore, observational studies are prone

to a high degree of subjectivity.

Open–Headed Surveys and Questionnaires - This allows organizations to collect views and

opinions from respondents without meeting in person. They can be sent electronically and are

considered one of the most cost-effective qualitative data collection tools. Since every

respondent has a conducive environment to answer all the questionnaires without being judged

this is the most effective method to use. Questionnaires also save time since all respondents can

provide their answers at the same time.

Central Hospital will employ the use of questionnaires for every patient who visits the hospital.

The questionnaire will provide the most honest answers since the patients will answer the

questions secretly. Also, the data needed will be collected within the shortest time possible and

the conclusions be made by the team thereafter. (Simplilearn, 2023) highlighted that sources of

information are often categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary material. These

classifications are based on the originality of the material and the proximity of the source or

origin. In our research, we will make use of primary sources of data. There are two general types

of data – quantitative and qualitative and both are equally important. You use both types to

demonstrate effectiveness, importance, or value. The team will make use of qualitative data since

it deals with how people feel about something. With the use of primary sources of data,

qualitative data, and the use of questionnaires the central hospital research team will be able to
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make excellent conclusions about the negative reviews of patient satisfaction. this will enable

them to give positive feedback to the patients as well as improve the hospital's reputation.
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Reference

Simplilearn. (2023, September 1). What is data collection: methods, types, tools, and techniques.

Retrieved from Simplilearn website: https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-data-collection-article

Staff, U. (2022, July 25). 8 Essential Qualitative Data Collection Methods. Retrieved from

blog.upmetrics.com website: https://blog.upmetrics.com/essential-qualitative-data-collection-

methods