The DTORS qualitative research will involve in-depth interviews with both
service providers and service users. Qualitative research is a key means of
carrying out research in sensitive areas and is a way of collecting data that
are capable of centralising the participants own experiences, being responsive
to participants and remaining flexible and reflexive.
Participation in the research is voluntary. Participants' will be initially identified and invited to participate in the research using purposive sampling methods. In all elements of the qualitative research, this means that samples will be designed to include range and diversity in all the dimensions likely to affect experiences, behaviour and attitudes, and to include all key sub-groups and constituencies. Research interviews will last for approximately 1.5hrs and will be carried out using topic guides. The data will be analysed using the Framework method of analysis (Ritchie & Lewis, 2003).
The qualitative research will provide a rich understanding of participants' experiences and perceptions of treatment and the decisions they make about remaining in or leaving it. In the broadest terms, the research will also explore: service users' pathways into treatment; service providers' experiences and views of treatment services; the factors perceived to influence service users' different pathways through treatment; and to understand the wider range of personal and social factors that may impact on different treatment outcomes for service users. Research with service providers and service users is scheduled to take place in autumn/winter 2006 and spring/summer 2007 respectively.
Participation in the research is voluntary. Participants' will be initially identified and invited to participate in the research using purposive sampling methods. In all elements of the qualitative research, this means that samples will be designed to include range and diversity in all the dimensions likely to affect experiences, behaviour and attitudes, and to include all key sub-groups and constituencies. Research interviews will last for approximately 1.5hrs and will be carried out using topic guides. The data will be analysed using the Framework method of analysis (Ritchie & Lewis, 2003).
The qualitative research will provide a rich understanding of participants' experiences and perceptions of treatment and the decisions they make about remaining in or leaving it. In the broadest terms, the research will also explore: service users' pathways into treatment; service providers' experiences and views of treatment services; the factors perceived to influence service users' different pathways through treatment; and to understand the wider range of personal and social factors that may impact on different treatment outcomes for service users. Research with service providers and service users is scheduled to take place in autumn/winter 2006 and spring/summer 2007 respectively.