2.10. Qualitative Measures
The qualitative data were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Braun and Clarke (2006) described thematic analysis as a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) in rich detail, which when done properly may also allow for the research to interpret various aspects of the phenomena in question. Practically, thematic analysis involves examining the text in detail to identify recurring patterns (open coding), which are refined into themes through inductive and/or deductive analysis [Data analysis began with research team members reading and/or listening to all of the qualitative data, followed by six members of the research team (two senior and four junior) developing preliminary open codes. Once open codes had been established, each participant’s file was then reviewed by another member of the team to support rigor and reliability. After validating the codes, the core coding research team began combining the codes into preliminary themes. These preliminary themes were then analyzed and verified by the larger research team as an extra measure of rigor, with any differences being resolved through ongoing discussion among all authors. Having established the preliminary themes, an initial draft of the proposed thematic framework was written. The thematic framework underwent a second round of collective analysis, with the preliminary themes being modified to reflect a more nuanced and richer understanding of the data. Participant quotes, illustrating each sub-theme, were selected for their representativeness and incidences of divergent opinions. Despite the small sample size, data saturation – the point at which no new data was found—was reached. It became clear within the first 5–7 participants (using all their data time points) that there were coherent themes regarding the potential use of 3MDR to treat MI across participants.Following the concurrent parallel approach, the quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated and compared to formulate the results and inform the future of the study.