The use of literature in grounded theory

Unlike most approaches to research, grounded theory requires that literature is not reviewed before commencing a research study because to do so could lead the researcher into making misconceived assumptions about what issues warrant further investigation. Using the initial stages of a study investigating the effects of the National Health Service and Community Care Act1 on the role of the district nurse, this paper discusses the disadvantages of undertaking a pre-study literature review. There is, however, a dearth of information outlining how literature can be used in grounded theory studies. Potential themes from the study are drawn on to illustrate how literature can be used in a grounded theory study to help clarify a research problem.