Framework analysis for Vision Scientists: a clear step-by-step guide

Abstract

Vision sciences has traditionally been a quantitative discipline. However, to fully capture all aspects of clinical vision care, researchers increasingly need to be conversant in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This has resulted in qualitative methodologies becoming more common in vision sciences research literature. From the authors’ perspective, vision researchers often struggle to identify suitable qualitative methodologies when coming from a tradition of a realist ontology, or the view that independent truth exists. This study explores the ontological and epistemological considerations when approaching qualitative research in vision sciences and proposes framework analysis as a qualitative methodology that is accessible for vision scientists. Framework analysis is a flexible and highly utilitarian qualitative analysis method which complements quantitative methodologies. This paper also presents a step-by-step guide for conducting framework analysis in a logical, transparent, and repeatable way that will provide a clear audit trail of how results are obtained from subjective data. This is done using a worked example from a recent eye care study.

Task-shifting and the recruitment and retention of eye care workers in under-served areas: a qualitative study of optometrists’ motivation in Ghana and Scotland

“…Framework analysis, as described by Ritchie and Spencer (1994) and Somerville et al . (2023), with the aid of NVivo (QSR International Ltd, 2021) was chosen to analyse interviews. Framework analysis was chosen due to its transparency, logical step-wise procedure, repeatability, suitability for dealing with a priori issues and use for creating policy recommendations (Somerville et al ., 2023).…”

“…(2023), with the aid of NVivo (QSR International Ltd, 2021) was chosen to analyse interviews. Framework analysis was chosen due to its transparency, logical step-wise procedure, repeatability, suitability for dealing with a priori issues and use for creating policy recommendations (Somerville et al ., 2023). Ethical approval was obtained prior to commencement (reference number HLSLSA19072).…”