Data analysis
Data were analysed to gain insight into the core role of the
NP as described, experienced and reported by these clinicians.
The analytical techniques used were those recommended
by Boyatzis (1998), Denzin (2001) and Seale (2000) and
involved an inductive approach. An iterative reading of the
texts identified patterns within and across the interview data.
The data were then aggregated thematically according to
these patterns. Inductive analysis was used to order these
themes into conceptual categories. Through this process, we
have identified three major conceptual categories that are
identified as the practice domains that describe the core role
of the NP, namely:
• Dynamic practice
• Professional efficacy
• Clinical leadership
A final read cross-checked all interviews for the identified
themes and highlighted textual samples which best captured
these three conceptual categories.