Generation of Patients-as-Partner Items Through a Qualitative Data Analysis : Initial Item Reduction

Health psychology aspires to find ways for evaluating the Patient as a Partner. The Montréal
model, proposes a verbal and conceptual interpretation. Developed by a University of
Montréal research team, this approach advances that patients should play an active role in
the healthcare process. Quantitative assessments employing a methodological framework
involving a qualitative approach do not exist. Our study aimed at analyzing a procedure for
generating patient as a partner related items and to elaborate their classification.
Five semi-structured focus groups with 20 chronic disease patients and 15 professionals
(doctors, nurses) were conducted. A qualitative analysis, combining inductive (data
abstraction was conducted from specific to general), and deductive (guided by a predefined
protocol) methods was employed to create a flexible framework of analysis. A thematic
categorical content analysis of the transcriptions was conducted. Verbatim were extracted
and classified into categories. Cluster analysis using Sorensen’s coeffient was performed
with the software N’Vivo 12. Sorensen’s similarity analysis helped to structure a conceptual
framework for the assessment of patient as partner at the doctor patient interaction level.
The content of each category was verfied through consensus by multidisciplinary experts,
who formulated items to capture the overall patient as partner experience.
Our list of items constituted fundamental dimensions of partnership, constituting a first
classification and a basis for the development of a routine clinical assessment tool. This
process should guarantee that the items are acceptable, comprehensive and relevant
(reflecting the lived experience of the participants) ensuring a validity of the future
questionnaire.