A Pragmatic Guide to Qualitative Analysis for Pediatric Researchers

Abstract

Objective: To describe four approaches to qualitative analysis in order to provide a pragmatic, application-oriented guide to their use in research focused on children and their families. Methods: Four commonly used approaches to qualitative analysis - framework analysis, rapid qualitative analysis, content analysis, and reflexive thematic analysis - are described and compared, including their analytic strategies, tips for use, terminology, and application to a hypothetical example. Results: A pragmatic guide to each method is provided as well as examples of how each analytic approach could be utilized to analyze the same dataset. Conclusions: A variety of approaches to qualitative analysis are available to both novice and experienced qualitative researchers. The approach selected from the options presented in this article will depend on numerous factors, such as the clinical problem being explored, research context, aims, objectives, research questions, and resources available such as time and funds, and the qualitative expertise of the team.