Using qualitative data to inform the adaptation of a stroke preparedness health intervention

Qualitative research methods are often used to develop health interventions, but few researchers report how their qualitative data informed intervention development. Improved completeness of reporting may facilitate the development of effective behavior change interventions. Our objective was to describe how we used qualitative data to develop our stroke education intervention consisting of a pamphlet and video. First, we created a questionnaire grounded in the theory of planned behavior to determine reasons people delay in activating emergency medical services and presenting to the hospital after stroke symptom onset. From our questionnaire data, we identified theoretical constructs that affect behavior which informed the active components of our intervention. We then conducted cognitive interviews to determine emergency department patients’ understanding of the intervention pamphlet and video. Our cognitive interview data provided insight into how our intervention might produce behavior change. Our hope is that other researchers will similarly reflect upon and report on how they used their qualitative data to develop health interventions.