Saskia Baltrusch

27 Chapter 2 2.3 Data Analysis Both sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The participants’ names were replaced by pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. The transcripts were analysed using the thematic analysis, a pattern-based analysis that allows to identify and report the salient features of the data [28] and that is commonly used in health science research. The coding process started with repeated close reading of the text, followed by developing categories and conceptualizing them into broad themes. After linking the different categories and embedding them into a framework, major themes of the focus group discussion were identified until no new themes were generated. The coding and analysis was performed by the main investigator (SB). Codes, subthemes and themes were discussed with (JK) until consensus was reached on all categories. Direct quotes used in the discussion were translated into English. 3 Results The participant characteristics of the two focus groups are presented in Table 2. The average age of the focus group with patients and healthcare professionals were 54.8 years and 47.4 years, respectively. Each of the participants was given a pseudonym and a designation to distinguish between focus groups (P=patient, HCP=healthcare professional). The main categories derived from the discussions contributing to design requirements for an exoskeleton, included “Problems faced as a low-back pain patient”, “Experience with assistive devices”, “Concerns and Fears”, “Positive Aspects and Design Improvements” and “Field of Application”. 2