Document analysis using an aggregative and iterative process

This paper is a descriptive commentary concerning the use of document analysis in qualitative research concerned with developing an understanding of the role of child and adolescent mental health nursing in an inpatient. The document analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis with both an iterative process (Attride-Stirling) and an aggregative process, the Joanna Briggs Institute Thematic Analysis Program (TAP). After the initial iterative process the data were entered into an online software program, TAP, for aggregation and further analysis. The TAP software consisted of a three-step approach in the analysis of data extraction of illustrations, aggregation to categories and synthesis of categories into themes. A TAP chart was generated displaying the connections between the illustrations, categories and themes. The advantage and limitations of utilising the TAP software compared with Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software were discussed. The program afforded direct involvement by the researcher in the cognitive process of the analysis; rather than just the technical process. A limitation of the program would be the volume of the data if the research involved a vast amount of data. The TAP program was a clearly defined three-step software program that was appropriate for the documents analysis for the research. The program would have a wide application for facilitating the thematic analysis of documents, although the program is suitable for smaller amounts of data.