One tape was analysed by two researchers in order to cross-check the interpretation and to fine-tune the checklist matrix.
The role of the EAC is to review and critique the sponsor's submission: to ensure completeness and relevance of the evidence presented, to appraise its quality and to check the interpretation of this evidence with respect to the scope.
Group interviews with patients and family carers to identify potential attributes for the discrete choice experiment survey included 'cognitive interview' questions (e.g. what does this symbol mean to you?) to check the interpretation of symbols and signs used to support textual elements within the DCE.
As a way of validating the codes, three interviews were independently coded by author one to check the interpretations of the coder and validate the themes.
Finally, all through the study, critical researchers, physicians and co-readers have critically read and checked the interpretations made (communicative validity) [ 34].
To limit such risks confirmatory questions were used, the process of coding followed and checked by a co-reader, and critical researchers, physicians and co-readers have been invited to continuously read and check the interpretations made.
As a Masters Honours student I undertook the preliminary analysis, and the three other authors reviewed some of the transcribed data and discussed and checked the interpretations made during data analysis.
WB supported the data analysis, reviewing transcripts, checking the accuracy of interpretation and supported theme generation.
This 'on the spot' participant check was chosen because, in our experience, people with ID appreciate discussions and make suggestions during group meetings or individual interviews, but checking the accuracy of interpretations with them on a later occasion is difficult.
