2.4 Data Collection
Two clinical psychologists (EB and NB), trained in qualitative interviewing, conducted the telephone interviews throughout 2012. The psychologists alternated roles, with one serving as the lead interviewer and the other serving as back-up, taking notes and ensuring all interview topics were covered. A research assistant observed all interviews. The initial interview asked close-ended questions such as the clinician’s department and length of VA employment. We then began the second part of the interview by asking prescribing clinicians to describe their overall management plan for a veteran with PTSD. (See Table 1 for topics of the Interview Guide most pertinent to this study.) Other interview topics included knowledge of the CPG and access to evidence-based PTSD psychotherapies. Professional transcriptionists produced verbatim transcripts and the research staff performed quality checks prior to analysis.