ABSTRACT
Introduction According to Braun and Clarke, thematic analysis (TA) is a family of methods that entail familiarization with the data;generating initial codes;conceptualizing, reviewing, naming, and defining themes;and writing a report. We conducted a multicentric qualitative study investigating the experiences of individuals treated for cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic in different language regions and countries. We aim to describe our procedures for selecting an approach to TA;generating codes;and conceptualizing themes and sub themes capturing common and distinct experiences across sites. Methods Our team was comprised of multilingual investigators from Switzerland and the United States. We formed site-specific workgroups to recruit local participants and conduct interviews in one of five languages. Principal challenges were to (a) ensure consistency in qualitative data collection;(b) construct shared interpretations of qualitative data while preserving context-specific nuance;and (c) develop and maintain a large data set supporting iterative analyses by multiple workgroups. Results Adopting a pragmatic worldview, we planned and conducted a codebook TA. We validated data collection materials with each workgroup;developed a codebook;analyzed data deductively and inductively;and used MAX QDA software to facilitate data management. Table 1 details our approach. Conclusions Investigators using TA in disparate contexts face unique methodological challenges. Research to establish best practices is warranted.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Literature on the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients pointed towards an increase in uncertainty, anxiety, fear and distress. Our aim was to analyze cancer patient-reported experiences through a qualitative approach to identify their potential concerns, needs and resources during the pandemic and to evaluate their levels of distress and resilience. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted after the second wave, March to July 2021, with cancer patients from three hospitals in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Transcripts were analyzed using an iterative thematic analysis approach. Quantitative data included measurement of distress and resilience by the NCCN distress thermometer and the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Results Patients with lung, breast, colon cancer or melanoma were included (n=35). Mean distress score was 2 (SD=2.1) and mean resilience score was 6.7 (SD=1.3). Thematic analysis highlighted five themes evoking changes in life, concerns, cancer care, resources and vaccination. Conclusions Cancer patients from the French-speaking part of Switzerland reported relatively low distress and high resilience. Nevertheless, interviews revealed COVID-related elements having an influence on patients' lives and trajectory of care. These results allow for a better understanding of the cancer patients' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland and provide suggestions for better support.