Developing a codebook to guide content analysis of expressive writing transcripts.

This article describes a team-based approach to the development of a comprehensive codebook for multiple researchers to use during content analysis of the transcripts of the expressive writings of women (in this study, N = 89) with metastatic breast cancer. The codebook structure was developed iteratively by reaching a consensus on the analysis of shared transcripts to create an all-encompassing set of codes, with definitions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and exemplar text from the transcripts. The Qualitative Solutions and Research International NVivo software program was used to maintain an electronic database of the consensus analysis of transcripts, information about each code, and a detailed log about the process of developing the codebook. The team ultimately created a comprehensive codebook that contained 27 codes with definitions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and example text. The codes were verified by each team member through reanalysis of a set of shared transcripts that had been previously coded using an earlier version of the codebook. The team met to discuss individual coding and reached a consensus on the final version of the codebook. No new code was identified during the reanalysis, and there was fairly uniform agreement on the coding. The final version of the codebook will be used to guide each team member's individual analysis of the remaining (74) transcripts, which will be divided among the team. Periodic meetings are planned to discuss the individual analysis and to resolve any issue associated with using the codebook. As new codes are identified and agreed upon by the team, they will be added to the codebook. A team-based approach can facilitate the development of a practical and accurate codebook to guide the analysis of a large amount of qualitative data.

Transitioning to survivorship: a pilot study.

There are no clear transition guidelines for adolescent and young adult cancer patients, their parents, and their primary care providers (PCPs) when completing active therapy and within the first few years after therapy. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify needs and concerns of recently treated adolescent cancer patients and their parents, young adult cancer survivors, and the community PCPs of adolescent patients. Four focus group interviews were conducted with survivors and parents, and 3 in-depth interviews were conducted with PCPs. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed for content analysis. A range of needs were identified, including lack of adequate written and verbal information about their prior treatment, its potential side effects, and appropriate follow-up care. The best sources for education were identified as the primary oncologist, nurse practitioner, or nurse. At completion of treatment, parents and adult survivors felt a lack of psychosocial support. Suggestions from participants included use of informational videos for survivors, weekend education and support programs, ongoing support groups, use of the Internet, and educational newsletters. The PCPs reported a lack of general pediatric oncology knowledge and specific patient information, time constraints in their patient schedules, and having few survivors in their practices as barriers to optimal survivorship care. Further research is needed to look at the unmet educational and psychological needs of childhood cancer survivors and their parents during the critical time when they transition off treatment.