Table 2 Colaizzi’s seven-step process for qualitative data analyses

1

All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Each content was carefully read several times.

2

Researchers re-read, highlighted, and extracted meaningful statements directly related to the perception of spousal emotional experiences of taking care of dying patients.

3

Meanings from all significant statements were summarized.

4

Identified and organized the formulated meanings into theme clusters. The researchers compared the theme clusters with the original data several times to determine consistency.

5

Exhaustively described the investigated phenomenon of the perception of spousal emotional experiences of taking care of dying patients.

6

Recognized similar subthemes, identified the basic structure, and obtained the main themes.

7

Returned to the participants to confirm the findings. The authors discussed their disagreements until a consensus was reached.