Application of summative content analysis to a postal questionnaire.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Survey Methodology
• Qualitative Data Analysis

Background:

• Content analysis of free-text responses in questionnaires aids understanding of respondent remarks.
• It provides examples, identifies new issues, and informs future survey question design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the utility of summative content analysis for free-text data in postal questionnaires.

Main Methods:

• Summative content analysis applied to free-text responses from postal questionnaires.
• Identification and thematic analysis of respondent comments.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: understanding of 'patient lateral transfer work technique' and DINO instrument, patient transfer outcomes, positive responses, manual handling risks, and translation issues with DINO.
• Comparative insights were gained between respondent groups.

Conclusions:

• Free-text commentary in questionnaires allows respondents to clarify responses and provides insight into their understanding.
• Content analysis helps identify hidden meanings in tick-box responses and enables data triangulation.