Qualitative Analyses

Focus groups and cognitive interviews are essential in scale development. We have analyzed complex qualitative data for different patient populations and item domains. We have extensive experience using qualitative analysis software, such as Dedoose, Ethnograph, and Atlas.ti to code transcripts from focus groups and cognitive interviews. Results from qualitative analyses can help shape theoretical models, fill gaps in item bank sub-domains, and inform new item development.

 

Use of focus groups and cognitive interviews in the development of PLUS-M™, a mobility item bank for lower limb prosthetic users

Hafner BJ, Morgan SJ, Abrahamson DC, Amtmann D. Characterizing mobility from the prosthetic limb user’s perspective: Use of focus groups to guide development of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2016 Oct;40(5):582-90.

Morgan SJ, Amtmann D, Abrahamson DC, Kajlich AJ, Hafner BJ. Use of cognitive interviews in the development of the PLUS-M item bank. Qual Life Res. 2014 Aug;23(6):1767-75.

 

Expert panels, focus groups, and cognitive interviews for developing pain appraisal and pain-related self-efficacy item banks

Amtmann D, Liljenquist K, Bamer A, Bocell F, Jensen M, Wilson R, Turk D. Measuring Pain Catastrophizing and Pain-Related Self-Efficacy: Expert Panels, Focus Groups, and Cognitive Interviews. Patient. 2018 Feb;11(1):107-117.

 

Life impact of caregiving for severe childhood epilepsy: Results of expert panels and caregiver focus groups

Jensen MP, Liljenquist KS, Bocell F, Gammaitoni AR, Aron CR, Galer BS, Amtmann D. Life impact of caregiving for severe childhood epilepsy: Results of expert panels and caregiver focus groups. Epilepsy Behav. 2017 Sep;74:135-143.

 

A qualitative study of the work experience in people with multiple sclerosis

Yorkston KM, Johnson K, Klasner ER, Amtmann D, Kuehn CM, Dudgeon B. Getting the work done: a qualitative study of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil. 2003 Apr 22;25(8):369-79.

 

Item selection in self-report measures for children and adolescents with disabilities: lessons from cognitive interviews

Eddy L, Khastou L, Cook KF, Amtmann D. Item selection in self-report measures for children and adolescents with disabilities: lessons from cognitive interviews. J Pediatr Nurs. 2011 Dec;26(6):559-65.

 

Developing a scale of communicative participation: a cognitive interviewing study

Yorkston KM, Baylor CR, Dietz J, Dudgeon BJ, Eadie T, Miller RM, Amtmann D. Developing a scale of communicative participation: a cognitive interviewing study. Disabil Rehabil. 2008;30(6):425-33.

 

Communicating about the experience of pain and fatigue in disability and measuring pain in the context of homelessness

Yorkston KM, Johnson K, Boesflug E, Skala J, Amtmann D. Communicating about the experience of pain and fatigue in disability. Qual Life Res. 2010 Mar;19(2):243-51.

Matter R, Kline S, Cook KF, Amtmann D. Measuring pain in the context of homelessness. Qual Life Res. 2009 Sep;18(7):863-72.

 

The involvement of rehabilitation stakeholders in development of the PROMIS item banks

Amtmann D, Cook KF, Johnson KL, Cella D. The PROMIS initiative: involvement of rehabilitation stakeholders in development and examples of applications in rehabilitation research. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 Oct;92(10 Suppl):S12-9.