title: Conducting qualitative longitudinal research using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the methodological and epistemological challenges experienced when conducting a longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of patients' experiences of chronic low back pain (CLBP).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The author draws on experiences of managing interpretive analysis while undertaking an IPA of patients with CLBP for more than two years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted at three points in time from a purposeful sample of ten patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  There was a recognition that prolonged contact between researcher and participant increases the challenges related to minimising bias and managing researcher emotionality and empathy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two main challenges are discussed: the usefulness of 'bracketing' in longitudinal qualitative research and maintaining an inductive approach; and consideration of the emotionality of interviewing and the role of empathy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A longitudinal design adds potential analytical pitfalls, including a priori theorising and emotional involvement. Interpretative and emotional safeguarding included reflection and reflexivity, an iterative approach and the role of phenomenological strategies such as the hermeneutic circle. The efficacy of these is discussed, along with the ambiguity surrounding concepts such as bracketing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the topics discussed relate specifically to this methodology and a particular research project sample, they are applicable to qualitative research designs in similar populations.
authors.affiliation: College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
authors.forename: Sherrill Ray
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Snelgrove
mesh_terms: D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Longitudinal study; bracketing; interpretative phenomenology analysis; methodological challenges; minimising bias; semi-structured interviews