Data analysis

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to analyze the data. Thematic analysis used the following steps: familiarizing with data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report [30]. Familiarity with the data was obtained by having the same researcher (DB) transcribe the audio from the focus groups. Further preparation of the raw data files involved formatting the information to be compatible with NVivo 12 Pro, the software used to facilitate data analysis [31].

The same researcher (DB) initially read through the data without taking any notes, and then re-read it several times to gain an understanding of the data. Inductive (or in vivo) coding was used to reflect the participants’ words and maintain their meaning. This approach also means that the themes are closely linked to the data, and not driven by the researcher’s underlying theoretical assumptions [30]. Transcripts and codes were reviewed by a second researcher (MC), and codes were categorized into potential themes. The final patterns, codes and themes were the result of an iterative process of reviewing the themes and cross-checking in relation to the codes and the entire data set. Consensus was reached on the final set of codes, themes and subthemes, and quotations relevant to each theme were selected.