Use of Framework Matrix and Thematic Coding Methods in Qualitative Analysis for mHealth: NIRUDAK Study Data

Area of Science:

• Qualitative research methodologies
• Health informatics
• Mobile health (mHealth) application development

Background:

• Framework Matrix Analysis (FMA) and Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) are less commonly cited qualitative methods.
• This study compares FMA and ATA in the context of mobile health (mHealth) research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the methods, utility, and results of FMA and ATA.
• To provide recommendations for the effective use of these qualitative methods in mHealth research.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data were collected from physicians and nurses via eight focus group discussions in Bangladesh.
• The same data were analyzed separately using FMA and ATA.
• FMA was used to analyze opinions on key features of a novel mHealth application for acute diarrhea management.
• ATA was used to explore the clinical utility and user attitudes towards the mHealth app.

Main Results:

• FMA and ATA contribute differently to research goals and timelines in mHealth development.
• FMA is effective for data reduction when specific programming and design decisions are needed.
• ATA is valuable for understanding nuanced issues related to app use, implementation, training, and workflow.

Conclusions:

• Both FMA and ATA provide valuable, yet different, insights for mHealth design.
• FMA is recommended for guiding specific app design choices.
• ATA is recommended for informing broader implementation strategies and user training.