Author: Robin Ray

My involvement in qualitative research began when I was thinking about how to undertake my Master of Health Science. As a mature aged student, I sought opportunities to do project work in my undergraduate degrees and this together with some helpful advice set me on the track to a masters by research. I was interested why people made particular health decisions and more particularly how their daily context and life experience that influenced their health decision making. Qualitative methodology gave me the scope to explore the dynamics of experience for each person. Changes in life led me to into new research arenas and I moved my research focus to the increasing numbers of family caregivers who put their lives on hold to care for loved ones with life-limiting illness, especially when they have little or no real idea about what fulltime caregiving requires of them. I began using ecomaps to help people identify avenues of support. This translated into the idea that ecomaps could be a helpful data gathering tool. At national and international conferences, I have enjoyed lively discussions with people about the availability of social support and the use of ecomaps in research and in health and social care. In recent years I have moved again and now work in tropical Australia continuing with research and teaching aimed at improving the palliative and supportive care for people and their families living and dying in the community.

For further information about my research and contact details, visit
http://www.jcu.edu.au/medicine/staff/JCUPRD_053990.html