Examples of Our Qualitative Work
Cultural Variations in Approaches to End of Life (CVAS)
The CVAS study integrates multiple qualitative techniques to address the main research objective: to investigate differences
between and within African American and White patients and families in approaches to end of life. Through review of the literature
and consultation with experts in end of life research, our research team developed a semi-structured interview guide. The
interview consisted of both close-ended and open-ended questions with follow-up probes to elicit detailed responses.
Interviewers were trained on specific use of the study instrument through videotaped practice interviews with simulated patients
and a thorough review and critique with one of the senior researchers. Interviewers were also instructed in how to approach
a difficult subject with care and sensitivity.
The transcripts were analyzed using thematic and content analysis in order to organize the raw data into descriptive patterns
or typologies. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Atlas-ti, computer assisted software for qualitative
data analysis, was used to manage and organize the transcripts. An initial list of codes was developed through a rigorous
process involving 4 members of the research team. Kappa scores were calculated for each code to establish interrater reliability,
and a final codebook was developed which listed codes, definitions of codes, and sample quotations. All 140 transcripts were
then coded in Atlas by the team of 4 researchers, with random checks on transcripts to guard against “coder drift.”
Frequencies of specific codes were also analyzed by importing Atlas code/document tables into SPSS.
Click here for more information about the
Cultural Variations in Approaches to End of Life (CVAS) study.
Disparities in Rehabilitation Research Enrollment
Disparities in Rehabilitation Research Enrollment uses both statistical and content analysis of participant responses to investigate
ethnic differences and disparities as they may relate to participation in rehabilitation research. Potential participants
(CVA or TBI patients) are approached by a recruiter and are then triaged into one of two groups, ‘consenters or refusers,’
based on their response to an open-ended question related to willingness to enroll in a rehabilitation research database.
In addition, potential participants are asked to respond to a brief, close-ended questionnaire regarding attitudes and perceptions
about participation in medical and/or rehabilitation research. The specific study questions are based on previous research
on consent and refusal.
Initially, two members of the investigative team read and labeled (independently) approximately 200 responses to the open-ended
question. The investigative team used the consensus model to develop preliminary codes. Any discrepancies that remained were
resolved in consultation with the PI. Two preliminary codebooks were developed (consenters and refusers) with rules and definitions.
These preliminary codes were tested out with an additional 100 responses. The consensus model was then used to collapse codes
for better focus and analysis, all previous responses were recoded to ensure the new coding worked. Revisions were subsequently
made to both codebooks. The study currently uses a single coder. Random checks are done to watch for coder drift and emergence
of new codes. Ongoing meetings are held to discuss coding issues.
Click here for more information about the
Disparities in Rehabilitation Research Enrollment study.
Please direct all inquiries and consultation requests to
Dr. Gala True
