Final answer:
The qualitative research method recommended for improving community outcomes in public health is phenomenology, as it provides insights into the lived experiences of individuals and can be especially effective in understanding community health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question regarding a recommendation for a qualitative research method to improve community outcomes, the nurse should recommend phenomenology. Qualitative research methods like phenomenology involve the study of experiences from the perspective of those who live them. This approach is particularly suited for evidence-based practice in public health as it seeks to understand the lived experiences of community members which may impact health outcomes.
While meta-analysis and secondary analysis can be qualitative or quantitative, they often involve synthesizing existing data rather than generating new in-depth insights from subjective experiences. Meanwhile, experimental studies are a more quantitative approach, focusing on causation and controlled conditions.
Case studies, though sometimes incorporating quantitative elements, can also be qualitative, depending on the focus and approach of the researcher. Various qualitative methodological approaches such as mixed-methods research, community-based participatory action research, and the collection of data across the life-course can play critical roles in health research, especially for hard-to-reach populations.