Data Analysis for focus group and semi-structured interviews

Thematic analysis was used across all phases. This was fitting for qualitative research and in this case appropriate as it offered the most complete and accurate understanding of the research. Thematic analysis was very much an iterative process (Russell & Gregory 2003, Petty et al., 2012). In this case the transcripts were repeatedly read to gain familiarity with the text as a whole. Coding was then applied; where labels were assigned to sentences, phrases and paragraphs. The codes were assessed for general themes or patterns. The identified themes themselves were scrutinized to explore further relationships until data staturation had been reached and then possible conclusions and explanations were made. Both Ryan et al., (2009) and Petty et al., (2012) consider that such a process is not linear, but somewhat a circuitous route. It should be noted that a number of methods for performing data analysis exist. The utilisation of the researchers’ supervisors in reviewing the codes was also useful, as it provided the necessary confirmation, verification and further direction. A number of thematic analyses were reviewed, for instance Burnard (1991) and Ritchie and Spencer (1994). In this present research,

Braun and Clarke’s (2006:87) six staged method of thematic analysis was chosen due to its logical method of identifying, analysing and reporting themes within data. An example of the process of thematic analysis can be viewed (Table. 4.5). Below is a description of the process:

i) Familiarising with data

The transcripts were read and reread a number of times to immerse in the data and become familiar with it. Braun and Clarke (2006:16) state that immersion involves “repeated reading” of the data and reading the data in an “active way” to search for meanings and patterns. In addition initial ideas and thoughts regarding the responses in the transcripts were noted down.

ii) Generating initial codes

At this stage any interesting features of the transcribed data are identified. Initial codes from the data are produced. Coding was performed manually by the researcher and conducted systematically across the entire data set. Data was coded by writing notes on the text and highlighting them to indicate potential patterns (Braun and Clarke, 2006).

iii) Searching for themes

This stage involves sorting the codes into potential themes and collating relevant coded data extracts within the identified themes. Visual representation is useful when sorting different codes (Braun and Clarke, 2006:19) and a thematic framework was developed to organise the codes.

iv) Reviewing themes

Themes were reviewed and refined at this point. Braun and Clarke (2006) comment that there are two levels of reviewing and refining. Initially the researcher read all the collated extracts for each theme to conclude if they formed a coherent pattern. Once this was done a review of the entire data set was performed to ensure validity of themes (Braun and Clarke, 2006:21). At the end of this process the researcher had a better understanding of the themes, how they fitted together and the overall story that was being told by the themes.

v) Defining and naming themes

Continual defining and refining of each theme as described by Braun and Clarke (2006) took place. Themes were considered individually and compared with each other. Clear definitions and names for each theme were also developed.

vi) Producing the report

This was the final stage for analysis and examples of vivid and compelling extracts were selected and further analysed to reflect the research question and literature. A report of the analysis was then produced for each phase.

Table 4.5 Example of thematic analysis of Phase two interview transcript

Codes Question and response

from participant

Potential themes

Sub themes Theme

I would like to know what do you

understand by the title a Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer? Autonomy in decisions Not a doctor Radiographer

Someone who has a degree of autonomy in their decisions but doesn’t have a medical background. So, see from (name) point of view, (name) has a radiographer background Developed skill Identity Identity Role Aspect Identity Identity

What do you see as the main role of the consultant therapy radiographer from your perspective? Radiographer Treatment role Assess patients Own work load Being from a radiographer background, obviously it’s to help with the actual radiotherapy treatments. And having also the ability to assess patients. So (name) can see patients of (name)

Identity Practical role Clinical Duties Clinical Duties Responsibility Identity Role aspects Identity 131

Independent decision making Follow up role Independent practice Assess Protocol working Consent Treatment role Review patients

own accord, make (name) own medical judgments, in terms of appropriateness to treat and picking up relapses potentially and actually following patients up in the clinic.

So, (name) will see new patients in own clinic and assess their appropriateness for treatments, so adjuvant radiotherapy generally, in terms of clinical indications from our protocols, and whether the patients actually fit in that, and whether they consent to having treatments. (Name) then, also carries out the treatments and reviews the patients during treatments with the team as well. Clinical Duties Responsibility Clinical Duties Responsibility Practical role Clinical Duties Role Aspects Identity I am interested to know relationship with the consultant

therapeutic

radiographer, what is it like working with

(name)? Close relation Integral to the team Patient Rapport Point of contact for patients Central to team

We work very closely, so you know, there’s only five, six members on our team and (name) is an integral part of that. So, there’s daily e-mails firing off for various patients, organising certain things, and obviously she knows some patients very well. (Name) had a very long period of time of

following them up so, sometimes (name) the best person to ring a certain patient with

Team working Supporting patient Team working Working relationships Perceived patient experience Working relationships Impact 132

certain results or

appointment changes or whatever. So yeah, she’s a central part of the team