Gerontological nursing: application of ethnography and grounded theory.

1. Health care needs of elders are escalating; however, there is limited gerontological research in nursing and allied health fields. 2. Ethnography and grounded theory are qualitative research strategies that can be used to question current nursing dogma and advance gerontological nursing research. 3. Research development and national funding priorities include technology assessment, continuity of care, and long-term care. Specific long-term care issues requiring exploration include quality, health promotion, self-care agency/independence, and elder dependence.