Data Saturation in Qualitative Research on Communication Experience of Intubated Conscious Patients and Nurses

There is a gap that exists to prove the selection of the appropriate number of participants for qualitative studies. The purpose of this study was to determine and justify optimal sample size to explore the communication experiences of nurses and intubated patients. In-depth one to one interviewwith six (6) patients after extubating and eleven (11) nurses were employed in the study with purposive sampling techniques using open-ended questions. Inductive probing techniques were used to develop themes.To arrive at qualitative data saturation, the study used three key parts in its computation and assessment: base size, run length, and new information threshold, which is based on the more flexible approach of reporting saturation. Data saturation employed the formula; Saturation quotient = New theme/base theme; (data saturation was assumed at saturation quotient of ≤ 5%for new information threshold). Data saturation occurred at 7th interview series; starting with 23 new codes (Base themes) from 1st interview followed by series of interviews to reach a total of 41 new codes.The findings of the research highlighted an alternative way for calculating and reporting saturation of qualitative data using saturation quotient. This technique of arriving at optimal data saturation through calculation may be applied in other qualitative researches.