Defining the eligible, accessible population for a phenomenological study.

When a rare target population is the focus of a proposed descriptive, phenomenological study, it is important to project the size of the population that is both eligible to participate and accessible to the investigator. This estimate of the eligible, accessible population is one basis for judging the feasibility of a proposed phenomenological study, and it serves to establish a demographic framework for the analysis. While preparing a grant proposal for a phenomenological study of older widows' experience of home care, the author developed a method of estimating the eligible, accessible population. The philosophical rationale for the method is explained, and its procedures are detailed. Suggestions are given for adapting the method in keeping with the aims of a particular phenomenological study.