Qualitative Analysis

Client Context

A charity supporting refugees in the UK had conducted 45 semi-structured interviews with service users to understand barriers to accessing mental health support. They needed a rigorous qualitative analysis that could be published alongside their quantitative survey data in a mixed-methods study.

The Challenge

The interview transcripts totalled over 300,000 words and covered complex, emotionally sensitive topics. The research team had identified broad themes but struggled to move from descriptive coding to an analytical framework that could generate new theoretical insights. They needed support with thematic analysis, inter-rater reliability, and transparent reporting aligned with the COREQ guidelines.

Our Approach

We used reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. Two analysts independently coded a subset of 12 transcripts, achieving a Cohen's kappa of 0.78 before proceeding to the full dataset. We developed a coding framework of 38 initial codes, refined into 12 descriptive themes and 4 overarching analytical themes. NVivo was used for data management and codebook development. The final report included a thematic map, illustrative quotations, and a reflexive statement on researcher positionality.

Results

The analysis revealed four key themes: institutional distrust, language as both barrier and bridge, the role of community intermediaries, and the gap between statutory provision and lived experience. These themes informed the charity's service redesign and were published in a peer-reviewed social policy journal. The findings were also cited in a Parliamentary briefing on refugee mental health provision.

Client Testimonial

"AnalyticsScholar helped us find the story in our data. Their thematic analysis went far beyond what we could have achieved alone, and the resulting publication has had real policy impact."

— Programme Director, BridgePath Refugee Support

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