Table 3 The evolution of a theory

Refined theory

The first round of refinement explicitly added funding considerations, as multiple staff noted the need for financial resources to enable data collection. The need to justify funds then oriented attention to how and what the data could be used, adding the ‘BECAUSE’ clause to the theoretical proposition

Rival theory

A rival theory was developed following multiple interviews where participants focused on what did not work in implementing the WG-SS. The rival theory centred contextual elements where even the availability of training, funding, and a phased approach were nevertheless anticipated or observed to encounter resistance and struggle to be successful.

Consolidated theory

The consolidated theory emphasized the purpose of the data. This element was previously implicit, as even if not articulated, there is always a reason why data are (or are not) collected and used. The interviews made it clear that ‘purpose’ warranted deeper interrogation, which lead to its prominence in the final, consolidated theory.