Content Analysis: Process and Application

Content analysis is a research method for analyzing written verbal or visual communication messages. When appited to messages produced in clinical settings, content analysis is a relevant strategy for conducting practice-oriented nursing research. In this paper content analysis is defined and the basic principles of this research technique are discussed. The method for conducting content analysis research is outlined and explained. Finally, an example is provided which demonstrates the application of this strategy for developing clinical nursing knowledge in a critical care setting.