Qualitative research in healthcare: an introduction to grounded theory using thematic analysis

Chapman, A.L., Hadfield, M. and Chapman, C.J. (2015) Qualitative research in healthcare: an introduction to grounded theory using thematic analysis. Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 45(3), pp. 201-205. (doi: 10.4997/JRCPE.2015.305) (PMID:26517098)

Abstract

In today’s NHS, qualitative research is increasingly important as a method of assessing and improving quality of care. Grounded theory has developed as an analytical approach to qualitative data over the last 40 years. It is primarily an inductive process whereby theoretical insights are generated from data, in contrast to deductive research where theoretical hypotheses are tested via data collection. Grounded theory has been one of the main contributors to the acceptance of qualitative methods in a wide range of applied social sciences. The influence of grounded theory as an approach is, in part, based on its provision of an explicit framework for analysis and theory generation. Furthermore the stress upon grounding research in the reality of participants has also given it credence in healthcare research. As with all analytical approaches, grounded theory has drawbacks and limitations. It is important to have an understanding of these in order to assess the applicability of this approach to healthcare research. In this review we outline the principles of grounded theory, and focus on thematic analysis as the analytical approach used most frequently in grounded theory studies, with the aim of providing clinicians with the skills to critically review studies using this methodology.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Chapman, Professor Christopher
• Authors: Chapman, A.L., Hadfield, M., and Chapman, C.J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Educational Leadership & Policy
• Journal Name: Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Publisher: Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• ISSN: 1478-2715
• ISSN (Online): 2042-8189
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• First Published: First published in Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 45(3):201-205
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher