Qualitative methodologies II: a brief guide to applying interpretative phenomenological analysis in musculoskeletal care

Abstract

In this paper, we conclude our two-part series discussing how readers of Musculoskeletal Care might employ qualitative methods. In the first paper of the series, we focused upon some issues surrounding the distinctions and similarities between qualitative and quantitative approaches, and outlined the origins, typology and limitations of qualitative methods. We introduced one particular qualitative research process which readers may find useful: interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). In this paper, we provide a guide to applying IPA via the design of an interview, a methodology with which it is particularly suited. We discuss some specific interview and interviewing processes and also some necessary ethical issues, including personal protection and participant well-being. We also discuss how to proceed through analysis while considering questions about the generalizability, reliability, validity and application of results. Finally, we question the overall direction of qualitative research, which we hope will fuel debate among readers.

Women's experiences of sexual health when living with Rheumatoid Arthritis - an explorative qualitative study

“…A follow-up interview with this informant might have given additional data. The phenomenological research approach indicates that a small sample size is sufficient to explore the researched phenomena [27] and to ensure that the collected data can be fully explored. There has been discussion concerning the truthfulness of face-to-face interviews in sexuality research [28], but as the first exploratory study of experiences of women's sexual health when living with RA and their experiences of physiotherapy in this context, phenomenology was chosen as the most appropriate method for the study.…”

‘Extra information a bit further down the line’: Rheumatoid arthritis patients' perceptions of developing educational material about the cardiovascular disease risk

“…• Written information • Internet resources • Opportunity to attend a talk about why you need to make these changes • Attending a small group session to discuss practical advice on how to make these changes • Availability of smoking cessation group/ nicotine replacement therapy • Having a 'buddy' scheme to support you with these changes • Availability of exercise facilities to use • Advice from their doctor and nurse to make these healthy lifestyle changes to generate superordinate themes has been described in our accompanying article and in detail elsewhere (Hale et al, 2008). Transcripts were initially analysed by H.J.…”

‘All singing from the same hymn sheet’: Healthcare professionals' perceptions of developing patient education material about the cardiovascular aspects of rheumatoid arthritis

“…IPA is a method of qualitative analysis that has become established in health research as an effective approach for exploring participants' experiences. IPA follows established, yet fl exible methodology (Hale et al, 2008;Smith et al, 1999) with two levels of analysis; the descriptive (phenomenological), which explores participants' personal perception of an event, and the explanatory (interpretative), whereby the researcher interprets the data in order to make sense of the personal experience of participants. These interpretations were subsequently presented to participants to check that their views were not being misrepresented.…”