2.3. Data analysis

The interviews lasted 1 to 2 h, were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim; personal identifiers were removed from the transcript. To identify, analyse and report patterns and themes within the data, thematic analysis was carried out, following six phases (Braun & Clarke, ²⁰⁰⁶). Thematic analysis is a progressive and iterative process. In general, Phases 1–3 seek to ensure that the analysis is closely grounded in the empirical data. This was achieved by reading and rereading transcripts, generating initial codes and collating codes into potential themes. In Phases 4–6, themes were reviewed in‐depth and included consideration of the theoretically informed notions of total pain. The purpose of Phases 4–6 is to ensure that data within themes cohere meaningfully and result in clearly distinguishable themes. Through this process, themes are refined, expressing their essence (Braun & Clarke, ²⁰⁰⁶). To strengthen the validity and increase trustworthiness and reliability of the analysis, the interviewer and the first and second author read and grouped subthemes of two interviews. This was followed by a discussion of the results until consensus was obtained. The themes identified in this way were presented to a group of six patients similar to the interviewed participants, who recognised the findings from their own cancer trajectory. Lastly, the whole data set was analysed and jointly discussed by the author team.