Consultation analysis - draft standards for the foot health workforce - method of analysis

Inductive and deductive methods

Two methods have been executed in the analysis of responses to the consultation questions posed. First, a pragmatic deductive, analysis of the responses that specifically addressed the questions posed was undertaken (see section 8&9). Secondly, thematic analysis was conducted on the remaining responses. Many responses did not directly address the questions posed. The responses formed a large qualitative data set best suited to an inductive thematic analysis. Sections 4-7 detail the results of the inductive analysis.

The thematic analysis was undertaken followed a method like that outlined in the literature (Barbour, 2007[1]; Braun & Clarke, 2006)[2]. This model of analysis was employed as it offers a flexible approach to qualitative data analysis and is a widely used method employed to analyse data collected from a variety of mediums. It allows the organisation of the data which in turn describes the data set in rich detail using the generated themes which are exposed through the process. Embedded in critical realist epistemological positioning; thematic analysis aims to enable the researcher to uncover the reality, experiences, and meanings of the key issue under investigation. The type of thematic analysis that was undertaken utilised an inductive approach. That is to say that the researcher was not trying to ‘fit’ the data around a specific question. (Barbour, 2007; Braun & Clarke, 2006; Shaw et al., 2010[3]).

This approach meant that there was flexibility within the coding method since the investigator was not trying to code with reference to a specific coding framework, as might have been the case if a deductive approach had been adopted.

The data analysis was conducted by the consultation lead. The data analysis began with reading and re-reading the data. Keywords and phrases were captured from the entire data set. These were recorded initially in an ad hoc manner. Later, the key words and phrases were organised into loosely related groups. Next, descriptors or thematic names were given to the clustered key words.

The initial manual coding was verified by two independent co-workers experienced in qualitative research and/or data analysis, who were able to review the codes and initial themes. 

From here an initial thematic map was created (Error! Reference source not found.). From the initial thematic map, further reading of the data set, refining of the keywords, and coding, led to a final thematic map detailing 3 main themes and 10 sub themes (Error! Reference source not found.).

Figure 7 Initial themes and sub-themes

Standards for the foot health workforce: supervision, regulation, application of standards, independent sector, The Patient, public confusion, patient safety, Independent Sector, Support for Standards, Scope of Practice, Dissent, undermining podiatry, independent practice, training, existing workforce, clinical hours and practical training, upskilling, NHS and independent practice, Other.

Figure 8 The final thematic map of 3 themes and 10 sub-themes.

Implementation of the standard: scope of practice, training, regulation, dissemination

Independant sector: scope of practice, support, training

Training: roles, supervision, patient care