Using content analysis software to compare pharmacy support qualifications in South Africa

Abstract

The training of pharmacy support personnel (PSP) differs considerably across the world; however, the question of whether the training of PSP meets the needs of the scope of practice in each country must be considered. This article considers a methodology employed to determine if qualifications for PSP in South Africa provided the knowledge and practical skills required by the prescribed scope of practice. A content analysis was performed in three steps, using Atlas Ti software to manage the textual information. The same basic format used in all qualitative content analysis was utilised, including preparing and organising, exploring, developing themes, reporting, and interpreting data. Content analysis can be a helpful tool in analysing large volumes of information. Despite the process being time-consuming, it allows for the trustworthiness of data. Breaking the analysis into three steps made the process more manageable, allowing a single researcher to do the analysis.