Sampling process and sample size

A number of sampling strategies were applied in the first phase of the study, namely volunteer, purposeful and snowball sampling methods, and these fit the qualitative approach used in this section of the study. As a qualitative approach was applied, the sampling technique chosen was not aimed at representativeness but rather at ensuring identification of the types of participants that would be able to provide rich information (Polit & Hungler, 1997).

Volunteer sampling refers to the use of participants who are readily available and who volunteer for participation. The criteria were set and invitations were prepared and given to possible participants, who then chose to participate in the study. Polit and Hungler (1997) note the risk of bias with convenient sampling, as used in this case. This means that those who accepted the invitation and volunteered to participate will be those that are more interested in the phenomena of the study. In this specific study it will not create a bias; instead it could increase the creation of knowledge, as IR: D&D emphasizes the inclusion of

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participants who are able to relate to the problem. It also provides a better fit with the curriculum development model that was applied in the study, because the participants were willing and knowledgeable about identification of HIV and AIDS-related core competencies.

The second method of sampling applied was purposeful sampling, which assumes that the researcher knows people that are knowledgeable about the phenomena under study and picks them for participation (Polit & Hungler, 1997). In this study purposeful sampling was applied to select participants from the governing body as well as the heads of two portfolios in the School of Nursing at UWC, because they were seen as the gatekeepers of management in the two institutions. They had the ability to identify shortcomings and to give direction for the future in terms of nursing education at UWC, especially with regard to HIV and AIDS.

The last sampling strategy used was snowball sampling. This involves identification of participants who then help to identify other participants that fulfill the criteria for participation in the study (Polit & Hungler, 1997). In this study this sampling strategy was used to select recent graduates, because it was difficult to know where the participants were working and to obtain their contact details without infringing on their right to privacy. The researcher contacted one recent graduate who contacted other recent graduates and gave them some information about the study. Those that indicated their interest gave permission to be contacted.

In this study maximum variation was achieved by selecting different categories of participants. Homogeneity was obtained by ensuring that when group discussions were conducted the participants were homogeneous. Identification of the categories of participants was theory-based and guided by the literature. These are features of qualitative sampling strategies that have been implemented in this study to increase the possibility of identifying the core competencies for HIV and AIDS for nurses from various angles. The various categories that were included and the sampling size for each are highlighted in the following section.

Nurse educators: One university offering an undergraduate nursing degree in South Africa was selected from each province. South Africa has nine provinces and seven of these have universities. To that effect, up to a maximum of seven nursing schools that provide undergraduate nursing degrees were included and two campuses of one of the institutions were included. The criteria for inclusion of nurse educators stated that they must be involved

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in theoretical or clinical teaching or facilitation at a School of Nursing based at a university in South Africa. For the nurse educators, after receiving permission from the head of the schools and following the institutional requirements, emails were sent to the staff at the various nursing schools. Volunteer sampling was applied and participants were invited, and those interested indicated their availability and ability to provide rich information.

As the model will be developed for the UWC curriculum, purposeful sampling was done to include the head of teaching, learning and assessment and the head of clinical teaching at the School of Nursing at UWC as participants for the individual interviews, because they were well placed as part of the management team of the School of Nursing and could provide information needed for the study regarding HIV core competencies. A total of 52 nurse educators participated in the first phase of the study. The number of participants in the group sessions ranged from five to seven, with another five nurse educators from two institutions participating in individual interviews.

Nurses from nursing practice: The specific criteria for inclusion of nurses from the clinical practice were that they must have had at least three years of clinical experience and did not complete their first degree at UWC. This was to ensure variety in the information that was obtained. The nurses working in the clinical practice also should have had experience working with clients living with HIV and AIDS, and should be practising in a clinical setting. This provided information on the important competencies that are required in practice. A total of five practicing nurses participated in the study and they were recruited using volunteer sampling. The hospital matron identified staffs that were working in different departments and then the researcher approached them and informed them about the study. Those interested in participating had the interview, while two of the nurses approached declined to participate in the study.

Recently graduated nurses from UWC: The specific criteria for inclusion for recent graduates included having graduated from the undergraduate nursing programme at UWC School of Nursing in the past two years and working in a clinical setting for no more than two years. These criteria increased the possibility of remembering what was included in their training and the difficulties encountered as a newly qualified nurse. The two years was set because the researcher wanted participants who had completed their community practice and assumed the role of fully registered nurses. In South Africa all of the nurses that complete the four-year nursing programme are required by law to practice for one year as a community

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nurse. The year of community practice is done in various settings, with some students being placed in clinics, while others are placed in hospitals. The recent graduates were selected with snowball sampling. As most of the recent graduates were located in different places, the first participant was recruited from the postgraduate students at the School of Nursing at UWC and a total of four recent graduates participated in the study.

People living with HIV: An institution that provides care and support to people living with HIV and AIDS in the Western Cape was purposefully selected and was approached based on the organization’s record in providing care and support to people living with HIV and AIDS. One person living with HIV and AIDS was invited to participate in the study through volunteer and purposive sampling. The criteria were to be living with HIV, being aware of HIV status and being involved with the selected organization. One person living with HIV participated in the study.

Professional body: SANC as the governing body for nursing training and practice was selected purposefully and was approached. Two representatives selected through purposeful and volunteer sampling participated in the study. The two participants are part of the management of SANC and are in charge of activities related to education and training at the governing body.

This sampling plan provided a diverse sample of academics, clinical facilitators, recent graduates as well as current nurse practitioners involved in the care of people living with HIV and AIDS, enhancing validity through data triangulation (Burns & Grove, 1997). In addition, the views of patients’ representatives and the professional board enriched the information that was collected. Saturation was reached after a total of 64 participants had participated in the first phase of this study. As recorded in the literature, for a qualitative study the sample size depends on data saturation, and this was applied in the study (Polit & Hungler, 1997).