Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “thematic analysis methods”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Personal stories of growing up sexually.

Prevention of problems related to sexuality during adolescence continues to be a major public health challenge. Describing childhood perceptions of sexuality is an important step in understanding sexual issues during adolescence. However, there is a paucity of information about sexuality in early life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe recurrent themes in personal stories of growing up sexually. A thematic analysis with a narrative perspective was applied using the method described by Miles and Huberman (1994). Four interrelated themes pervaded the stories: parents as teachers, sex is secret, learning by experience, and first intercourse as a turning point. These findings have major implications for sexual health education and counseling in addition to further research.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Informal care at times of change in health and mobility: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Relationships between people with health problems and their partners, families and friends are usually described as 'informal care'. Using a qualitative examination of older people's descriptions of their relationships with partners or other significant friends or relatives at times of change in health and mobility (walking), we questioned whether 'informal care' is an appropriate label. METHODS: Seven men and eight women aged between 58 and 85 years (mean 72.4 years) were recruited on grounds of having difficulty walking. Participants were interviewed on four occasions each. Nine of the interviewees lived with partners, four of whom were also interviewed. Whether living alone or with a partner, all participants discussed key social relationships. Analysis was performed using standard methods of qualitative inquiry, including thematic and narrative case study approaches. FINDINGS: The participants had several ways of coping with health changes and the onset or escalation of immobility. These included working together to ensure recovery, working together to maintain independence and experiencing and recognising considerable difficulty coping with change. Adaptation within relationships reflected the experience of abrupt or gradual change as well as expectations for the future. Participants did not describe their relationships in terms of 'carer' and 'cared for'. CONCLUSION: Means of coping with changing circumstances in mobility and health are inextricable from the work that goes on within partner, familial or friendship relationships. As older people seldom describe their relationships with significant others as 'care', it may be more appropriate to discuss informal care provision with patients by using the language of relationships.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Development, validation, and evaluation of the PBC-40, a disease specific health related quality of life measure for primary biliary cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Study of health related quality of life (HRQOL) and the factors responsible for its impairment in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has, to date, been limited. There is increasing need for a HRQOL questionnaire which is specific to PBC. The aim of this study was to develop, validate, and evaluate a patient based PBC specific HRQOL measure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A pool of potential questions was derived from thematic analysis of indepth interviews carried out with 30 PBC patients selected to represent demographically the PBC patient population as a whole. This pool was systematically reduced, pretested, and cross validated with other HRQOL measures in national surveys involving a total of 900 PBC patients, to produce a quality of life profile measure, the PBC-40, consisting of 40 questions distributed across six domains. The PBC-40 was then evaluated in a blinded comparison with other HRQOL measures in a further cohort of 40 PBC patients. RESULTS: The six domains of PBC-40 relate to fatigue, emotional, social, and cognitive function, general symptoms, and itch. The highest mean domain score was seen for fatigue and the lowest for itch. The measure has been fully validated for use in PBC and shown to be scientifically sound. PBC patient satisfaction, measured in terms of the extent to which a questionnaire addresses the problems that they experience, was significantly higher for the PBC-40 than for other HRQOL measures. CONCLUSION: The PBC-40 is a short easy to complete measure which is acceptable to PBC patients and has significantly greater relevance to their problems than other frequently used HRQOL measures. Its scientific soundness, shown in extensive testing, makes it a valuable instrument for future use in clinical and research settings.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The northern physical environment and the well-being of the elderly aged over 65 years.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to describe the significance of the physical environment in supporting the well-being of the elderly aged over 65 years. The aim was to produce knowledge that will complement the knowledge-base of gerontologic nursing. STUDY DESIGN: The study was qualitative. Thirty-nine home-dwelling elderly persons aged over 65 were interviewed. METHODS: The interviews (n = 39) were conducted with the thematic method. The data were analysed with methods of inductive content analysis. RESULTS: The main threats of the northern physical environment to the well-being of the elderly are seasonal variation, temperature, snow, light variation and distances. The supportive characteristics of the northern environment are the natural environment, space, familiarity with the physical space, cleanliness and safety. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the northern physical environment seem to be significant for both urban and rural elderly people living in the northern part of Finland. The different aspects of the natural environment provide opportunities to relax, meet other people and do physical exercise, all of which are important factors of health promotion.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Using n-of-1 trials as a clinical tool to improve prescribing.

BACKGROUND: N-of-1 trials are within-patient, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over comparisons of two drugs for chronic illnesses. We have investigated the use of these, offered to doctors as individualised medication effectiveness tests (IMETs), as a tool to improve drug prescribing. AIM: To examine patient perspectives and experiences of n-of-1 trials. DESIGN OF STUDY: We provided n-of-1 trials for osteoarthritis (OA), comparing paracetamol and ibuprofen; and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), comparing dexamphetamine or methylphenidate and placebo. Patients or their carers were surveyed before and after the trials by questionnaire, and after the trial by semistructured interview with thematic analysis. SETTING: Australian community-based patients and practitioners. METHOD: Forty-two patients with OA and 21 carers of patients with ADHD, for whom the effectiveness of proposed or existing medication was uncertain, completed the questionnaires, and 25 patients/carers (11 with OA and 14 with ADHD) participated in semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Patients in this purposive sample were generally very satisfied with the n-of-1 trial process. Their participation led to increased knowledge, awareness and understanding of their condition, their bodies' response to it, and its management. Some of this arose specifically from use of daily symptom diaries. This led to a sense of empowerment and control as well as improved individually-focused care. CONCLUSIONS: N-of-1 trials appeared to empower these patients as a result of both collecting information about their responses to different treatment options, and participating actively in subsequent therapeutic decisions. They are a patient-centred intervention that may improve medication management in suitable chronic diseases.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed2004

An exploration looking at the impact of domiciliary and day hospital delivery of stroke rehabilitation on informal carers.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of two methods of post-hospital stroke rehabilitation on both carers' perceptions of the health services offered and their quality of life. SETTING: East Dorset Health Authority. SUBJECTS: Forty-six informal carers were recruited from a sample of 106, initially identified from stroke patients participating in a larger randomized controlled trial. DESIGN: Qualitative methods. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were used at baseline and six months to explore carers' perception of a good therapy, the advantages and disadvantages of the different services and their fulfilment with the services. In-depth thematic analysis was carried out to explore the impact of the two different methods of service delivery on carers' quality of life. RESULTS: Day hospitals provided carers with respite opportunities, whilst domiciliary stroke teams provided carers with better educational opportunities to be involved in therapy. No qualitative difference was found in the impact that the different services had on carers' quality of life, which were influenced by factors such as the degree of disruption that caring had on their lives, the loss of a shared life and the availability of social support. Ultimately, carers saw the services as providing benefit for survivors and not themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Domiciliary stroke teams provided informal stroke carers with skills that could help improve postdischarge stroke rehabilitation amongst stroke survivors. Informal carers also benefited from the respite elements of day hospital. A mixed model using both domiciliary care and day hospital care, could provide carers with the benefits of education, convenience and respite.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Framing pub smoking bans: an analysis of Australian print news media coverage, March 1996-March 2003.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate framing strategies used by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and tobacco control groups to (respectively) resist or advocate laws providing smoke free bars. METHODS: Online archives of Australian print media were searched 1996 to 2003. A thematic analysis of all statements made by AHA spokespeople and tobacco control advocates was conducted. Direct quotes or journalistic summaries of statements attributed to named people were coded into four broad themes and the slant of articles coded. RESULTS: More than three times as many articles reported issues that were positive (n = 171) than negative (n = 48) for tobacco control objectives. The AHA emphasised negative economic issues and cultural/ideological frames about cultural identity, while tobacco control interests emphasised health concerns as well as cultural/ideological frames about threats to inequitable workplace policies. CONCLUSIONS: Smoke free bars have now been secured, suggesting that health advocates' position prevailed. The inability of the AHA to avoid the core health arguments, its wildly exaggerated economic predictions, and its frequent recourse to claiming smoke bans threatened nostalgic but outmoded vistas of Australian day to day life were decidedly backward looking and comparatively easily dismissed as being out of touch with views held by many in contemporary Australia. Health groups' emphasis on the unfairness in denying the most occupationally exposed group the same protection that all other workers enjoyed under law was powerfully and consistently argued. Australia's recent success in securing dates for the implementation of smoke free pubs is likely to have owed much to the enduring media advocacy by health groups.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2026

Views and Experiences of People With Dementia, Informal Caregivers and Professionals on Eating and Drinking Difficulties: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

AIM: This study aims to explore the views and experiences of people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals regarding eating and drinking difficulties. DESIGN: A qualitative systematic review was conducted. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and the data were thematically synthesised using Thomas and Harden's three-stage method. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched from their respective inception dates to August 2025 to identify relevant studies. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the 16 included studies identified four key themes: (1) Physiological and psychological changes in people with dementia and caregivers; (2) factors influencing eating and drinking in people with dementia; (3) needs and recommendations for people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals; (4) selection of eating methods for end-stage people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Eating and drinking difficulties affect the well-being of both patients and caregivers. A good dining environment improves mealtime pleasure but demands caregivers' time and energy. All parties emphasised the importance of effective communication. In end-stage dementia, professional assistance is crucial for enteral nutrition decisions. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Collaboration among patients, caregivers and professionals is vital for creating tailored nutritional plans and improving mealtime environments, thereby enhancing nutritional intake. In advanced dementia, providers must provide balanced information on comfort feeding versus enteral nutrition to aid decision-making. IMPACT: What problems were addressed in this study? This study addressed the lack of a consolidated, tri-perspective understanding of eating and drinking difficulties in dementia care settings. What are the main findings? Four key themes were identified: physiological and psychological changes, influencing factors, stakeholder needs and end-of-life decision-making. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This will impact care practices for people with dementia and inform the training and support of informal caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

Striving for balance: a grounded theory study of health experiences of nurses with musculoskeletal problems.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the major causes of the high levels of long-term sickleave and early retirement, and healthcare personnel are among the occupational groups most affected. Only limited research in the area has focused on the experiences of those affected, and to increase the understanding of MSD, all dimensions of the health experiences need to be taken into consideration. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to explore the experiences of illness and wellness among female healthcare personnel with musculoskeletal symptoms. DESIGN: A qualitative grounded theory approach guided the study in data collection and analysis. SETTINGS: Medical and surgical ward units at three hospitals; one university hospital and two minor hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Eight women, registered nurses and nursing aides, with neck, shoulder and/or back problems in early stages. METHODS: A grounded theory approach was used with narrative thematic interviews and parallel data analysis with constant comparisons. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a process of striving to reach a balance between illness and wellness, through accepting and handling illness. Illness appeared as a threat and an experience, while experiences of wellness were simultaneously nurtured. The informants were striving for balance through an inner reasoning leading to acceptance and by handling illness in various ways depending on the character of the illness. CONCLUSION: This paper indicates the diversity of the illness experience, the parallel importance of wellness, and the process of balancing these two in order to feel well enough. As previous research has shown that MSD has a multifactorial cause, a holistic view of health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation may provide a more effective tool than the bodily physical focus most frequently used today.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

Exploring the expanded role of nurses in critical care.

This paper reports on a small research study that explored the perceptions of staff in an intensive/coronary/high-dependency care unit on the expanded role of nurses in critical care. The research was undertaken in two phases. In the first phase, focus groups and interviews of nursing and medical staff were used as methods to explore their perceptions. Data were analysed by thematic content analysis and generated four categories: specialized skills; maintaining competence; how far nurses can go; and training and education. Using verbatim examples from the participants, these categories are described. In summary, it was found that both doctors and nurses were in favour of nursing role developments, and for the nurses this was driven by their desire to meet the patients' needs. In a smaller second phase, a questionnaire was developed based on information gained in the first phase. It was utilized to seek the views of all the nursing staff on specific role-expansion activities. Findings revealed substantial support for developing the role of critical care nurses in a number of activities: cannulation; venepuncture; ordering blood tests and X-rays; performing physiotherapy; inserting arterial lines; performing elective cardioversion; thrombolysis treatment and intubation. This research study has yielded important information. However, it is recognized that, whilst these roles may be new to this particular critical care unit, there are many other units where they may already be common practice. Whenever new roles are developed, it is important to evaluate their effectiveness in measurable terms and regular audit is advisable. Further research is therefore recommended on both the development and evaluation of new roles in critical care.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2007

Directly observed therapy and tuberculosis: how can a systematic review of qualitative research contribute to improving services? A qualitative meta-synthesis.

AIM: This paper reports the findings from a qualitative meta-synthesis concerning people with, or at risk of, tuberculosis, service providers and policymakers and their experiences and perceptions of tuberculosis and treatment. BACKGROUND: Directly observed therapy is part of a package of interventions to improve tuberculosis treatment and adherence. A Cochrane systematic review of trials showed an absence of evidence for or against directly observed therapy compared with people treating themselves. METHOD: Qualitative systematic review methods were used to search, screen, appraise and extract data thematic analysis was used to synthesize data from 1990 to 2002, and an update of literature to December 2005. Two questions were addressed: 'What does qualitative research tell us about the facilitators and barriers to accessing and complying with tuberculosis treatment?' and 'What does qualitative research tell us about the diverse results and effect sizes of the randomized controlled trials included in the Cochrane review?' Findings help explain the diverse trial results in a Cochrane systematic review of directly observed therapy and tuberculosis and consider implications for research, policy and practice. FINDINGS: Five themes emerged from the 1990 to 2002 synthesis: socio-economic circumstances, material resources and individual agency; explanatory models and knowledge systems in relation to tuberculosis and its treatment; the experience of stigma and public discourses around tuberculosis; sanctions, incentives and support, and the social organization and social relationships of care. Two additional themes emerged from the 2005 update. CONCLUSION: The qualitative meta-synthesis improved the relevance and scope of the Cochrane review of trials. The findings make a major contribution to the development of theory concerning global WHO-branded disease control and the practicality of local delivery to people.

Directly Observed Therapy↗
PubMed2006

Power and client-centred practice: an insider exploration of occupational therapists' experiences.

BACKGROUND: Although problems with power sharing are frequently described in discussions about client-centred practice, little research has explored occupational therapists' experiences with this model of service delivery. To critically examine this aspect of occupational therapy, an insider study was conducted. PURPOSE: The objectives of the study were to explore therapists' experiences with client-centred practice and to reveal how power works within this practice and in the health service environment. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews with 9 therapists were conducted, and a thematic analysis of these transcripts was completed. A variety of institutional documents were reviewed and analysed. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: the different interpretations of occupational therapy discourse, the power of context, and the continuum of client-therapist interactions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is important to consider the various competing discourses and institutional practices that frame the therapeutic relationship when evaluating methods to improve client-centred practice.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Verbal measures of alexithymia: what do they measure.

Previous studies have shown that measurement of verbal affective expression is influenced by the method used for obtaining speech samples, thereby supporting a situation-dependent, or state concept of alexithymia. In this study monadic speech samples obtained from 20 psychoneurotic and 20 psychosomatic patients, using selected thematic apperception test (TAT) cards, were examined using different methods of content analysis. Although no differences were found with the Gottschalk-Gleser anxiety, hostility outward and hope scales, the psychosomatic patients had a more limited emotional vocabulary than the psychoneurotic patients as measured by an 'affect vocabulary score' (AVS). In contrast to the Gottschalk-Gleser scores (GGS), the AVS correlated with measures of fantasizing ability and would appear to be a more valid method of measuring alexithymia. The findings also supported a trait concept rather than a state concept of alexithymia.

Affective Symptoms↗
PubMed2001

The EC Thematic Network on the Analysis of Thorium and its isotopes in Workplace Materials.

Accurate measurements of workplace exposure to 232Th and its progeny are required to estimate internal radiation doses received by persons working with thorium-containing materials. However, a small intercomparison carried out in the mid-nineteen nineties raised doubts about the reliability of results obtained by methods available for measurement of thorium. An EC-funded thematic network was therefore established to bring together experts in the field of thorium analysis in order to coordinate research activity and identify best analytical practice. requirements for reference materials. etc. This network has now successfully completed its work programme. which included a survey to determine future research needs; a series of intercomparisons to test the performance of methods for measuring thorium in workplace materials, and a workshop held to promote best practice and transfer information to regulatory authorities and industry. Results of the work have been used to make various recommendations concerning future needs in this field.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patients' perspectives of fatigue while undergoing chemotherapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore the experience of fatigue from the perspective of patients undergoing chemotherapy. DESIGN: Qualitative research and secondary analysis of data from a larger study. SETTING: Participants were recruited from 18 sites, including large outpatient chemotherapy clinics and private medical oncologists' offices. SAMPLE: 127 adult patients who were beginning their first protocol of chemotherapy. METHODS: Data were collected through individual and open-ended interviews and a qualitative, thematic analysis of the participants' responses using grounded theory techniques. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLE: The experience of fatigue as perceived by patients undergoing chemotherapy. FINDINGS: The analysis resulted in eight major thematic categories: (a) experiencing fatigue, (b) effects on well-being, (c) attribution of origin, (d) awareness and expectations, (e) emotional reactions, (f) activity, (g) the "biggest" concern, and (h) strategies and plans. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the variation, extent, duration, and temporality of fatigue among patients receiving chemotherapy and the dynamic, changing aspects of the experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Fatigue must be considered within the context of patients' daily lives and environments, disease processes, and treatment modalities. Nurses must listen carefully to patients' own descriptions of being tired. Further research examining patients' perspectives of and experiences related to fatigue is necessary to increase the theoretical understanding of fatigue and to improve therapeutic nursing interventions.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1999

The new pariahs: discourse on the tobacco industry in the Sydney press, 1993-97.

OBJECTIVE: To review the principal sub-texts contained in all press coverage and references to the tobacco industry in a major Sydney newspaper over five years. METHOD AND SAMPLE: After excluding value-neutral financial page reports, thematic analysis of all value-laden references to the tobacco industry in the Sydney Morning Herald, January 1993 to December 1997. RESULTS: Some 155 articles containing 221 separate references to the tobacco industry were identified. Eight sub-texts (callous merchants of death; conspiracy/cover-up; blood money; toxic pied pipers; corporate leviathans; beleaguered/legitimate industry; index case of unethical or corrupt practice; and bumbling fools) accounted for all 221 references. Eighty-nine per cent of references to the industry framed it negatively. Journalists or regular newspaper columnists authored 56% of the references. Only 5% of comments were attributed to tobacco company sources. CONCLUSIONS: In press reports, the tobacco industry is routinely framed as a corporate pariah by journalists, the public, government spokespeople and tobacco control advocates. IMPLICATIONS: Routine negative publicity about the tobacco industry is likely to significantly reduce its public credibility and political influence.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

In the eye of the dragon: women's experience of breast cancer and the occupation of dragon boat racing.

BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer are at risk of developing lymphedema following surgical and/or medical treatment of the disease. Recently, women have challenged traditional advice about limiting upper extremity activity to prevent lymphedema by participation in dragon boat racing. PURPOSE: In this qualitative pilot study, three women were interviewed about the meaningfulness of dragon boat racing in their lives. METHODS: The women were interviewed twice and their interviews analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Seven themes are discussed: attraction of dragon boat racing; physical and emotional well-being; competition; social support; transcendence/connectedness/oneness; re-occurrence of cancer; and, public awareness. Competition enabled the participants to rebuild self-confidence and to regain control over their physical health and emotional well-being. Balancing support and competition was key to finding satisfaction in this occupation. The women did not believe that dragon boat racing affected their risk for developing lymphedema. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: People who engage in the occupation of dragon boat racing find it meaningful and develop new coping strategies. Participating in dragon boat racing can decrease stress and shift the meaning of having breast cancer to a more positive view of the experience.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

Adult bereavement in five English hospices: types of support.

METHOD: In-depth organisational case studies of five English hospices. ANALYSIS: Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews and focus groups and scrutiny of documentary material provided by the hospice bereavement services. FINDINGS: All of the hospices ran events where bereaved people met with other bereaved people who had been in contact with the hospice. They all offered some form of more intensive one-to-one support, spiritual support, and ran remembrance events. Three types of one-to-one support were offered: counselling; befriending; support from paid bereavement staff. Ongoing telephone support from trained bereavement volunteers appeared to be an acceptable and cost-effective way of providing low intensity bereavement support. Running social bereavement support groups is difficult and resource intensive. "Drop-in" events appear to perform a useful role for both bereaved people and bereavement services. There seemed to be no readily available sources of support for people with particularly complex bereavement problems. CONCLUSIONS: All of the hospices were offering appropriate types of bereavement support that clearly met Components 1 and 2 of bereavement support in the NICE guidance. In the absence of any agreement about "best practice" for adult bereavement support services it is the integration of bereavement support as a central aspect of hospice activity that is most likely to improve bereavement support for adults in the future.

Adult↗