Analyzing longitudinal qualitative data: the application of trajectory and recurrent cross-sectional approaches

Abstract

BackgroundLongitudinal qualitative research methods can add depth and understanding to health care research, especially on topics such as chronic conditions, adherence and changing health policies. In this manuscript we describe when and how to undertake two different applied approaches to analyzing longitudinal qualitative data: a recurrent cross-sectional approach and a trajectory approach.ResultsA recurrent cross-sectional approach is most appropriate when the primary interest is comparing two time points, such as before and after a policy change, or when a cohort cannot be maintained, such as a study in which some participants are expected to die. In contrast, a trajectory approach is most appropriate when the purpose of the research is to understand individuals’ experiences over time or to understand longitudinal healthcare processes.ConclusionsLongitudinal qualitative research has the potential to be a powerful approach to understanding the complexities of health care: from relationships between providers and patients, to the experience of chronic disease, to the impact of health policy. Such research will be strengthened by careful consideration of the research question at hand, followed by application of the appropriate analytic approach.

Going off antiretroviral treatment in a closely monitored HIV “cure” trial: longitudinal assessments of acutely diagnosed trial participants and decliners

“…The six coders also met regularly to discuss and revise the codebook and definitions, and ensure thematic nuances were appropriately represented One topic of discussion, for example, focused on differences between the concepts of altruism and reciprocity. Conventional context analysis was used , with attention to complexities in analysing longitudinal data, including comparing individual data over time and group data at several points in time . In analysing and interpreting the qualitative and quantitative data, we paid attention to common themes regarding ease of decision making and trial experiences as well as reports of individuals whose experiences diverged.…”

Meanings of “acceptance” for patients with long-term pain when starting rehabilitation

“…IPA is congruent with taking 'a patient-centred perspective (Finlay, 2009). Listening to the views of those participating in pain rehabilitation is particularly useful for investigating complexity and processes or novelty (Grossoehme & Lipstein, 2016;Snelgrove, Edwards, & Liossi, 2013). IPA is also useful to understand processes that can be ambiguous and emotionally laden, such as learning to accept and live with long term pain (Smith & Osborn, 2015).…”

Learning about Type 1 diabetes and learning to live with it when diagnosed in adulthood: two distinct but inter‐related psychological processes of adaptation A qualitative longitudinal study

“…The narrative approach explores the participant's experience as a story, focusing on three essential elements: text (how and where the story is told and the characters within the story); time (sequencing events and change); and meaning (interpreting the story and how it is expressed). The initial and follow-up interviews were analysed together to provide an integrated longitudinal perspective on the narratives [15]. The analysis was conducted in the steps set out below.…”

“…The guide contained open-ended questions reflecting the research aims, and additional probing was used to fully elicit the narratives ( Fig. 1) [13,15]. The interviews were conducted in Danish and English, respectively, according to country of residence.…”