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PubMed2002

Use of focus groups in a library's strategic planning process.

The use of focus groups to determine patron satisfaction with library resources and services is extensive and well established. This article demonstrates how focus groups can also be used to help shape the future direction of a library as part of the strategic planning process. By responding to questions about their long-term library and information needs, focus group participants at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Library contributed an abundance of qualitative patron data that was previously lacking from this process. The selection and recruitment of these patrons is discussed along with the line of questioning used in the various focus group sessions. Of special interest is the way the authors utilized these sessions to mobilize and involve the staff in creating the library's strategic plan. This was accomplished not only by having staff members participate in one of the sessions but also by sharing the project's major findings with them and instructing them in how these findings related to the library's future. The authors' experience demonstrates that focus groups are an effective strategic planning tool for libraries and emphasizes the need to share information broadly, if active involvement of the staff is desired in both the development and implementation of the library's strategic plan.

Consumer Behavior↗
PubMed2004

Focus-group interview and data analysis.

In recent years focus-group interviews, as a means of qualitative data collection, have gained popularity amongst professionals within the health and social care arena. Despite this popularity, analysing qualitative data, particularly focus-group interviews, poses a challenge to most practitioner researchers. The present paper responds to the needs expressed by public health nutritionists, community dietitians and health development specialists following two training sessions organised collaboratively by the Health Development Agency, the Nutrition Society and the British Dietetic Association in 2003. The focus of the present paper is on the concepts and application of framework analysis, especially the use of Krueger's framework. It provides some practical steps for the analysis of individual data, as well as focus-group data using examples from the author's own research, in such a way as to assist the newcomer to qualitative research to engage with the methodology. Thus, it complements the papers by Draper (2004) and Fade (2004) that discuss in detail the complementary role of qualitative data in researching human behaviours, feelings and attitudes. Draper (2004) has provided theoretical and philosophical bases for qualitative data analysis. Fade (2004) has described interpretative phenomenology analysis as a method of analysing individual interview data. The present paper, using framework analysis concentrating on focus-group interviews, provides another approach to qualitative data analysis.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1999

Conducting focus groups cross-culturally: experiences with Pacific northwest Indian people.

Many disciplines have used focus groups in research and the use has increased in the past 15 years (Smith, 1995). Procedural concerns have been explored, such as the selection of the participants, the location, and the size of the group, but little attention has been given to the consideration of cultural influences. The purpose of this paper is to focus attention on the impact of culture in conducting focus groups. Experiences from 15 focus groups conducted in two qualitative research studies with two Washington state Indian tribes over a 5 year period are presented and illustrate the importance of culture in conducting focus groups. Communication patterns, roles, relationships, and traditions were found to be important elements that must be considered in conducting focus groups cross-culturally. While some strategies discovered were found to be helpful, additional research is needed.

Communication↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A focus group study: overview of the methodology.

The intent of this paper is to present an overview of focus group research methodology. The purpose of the exploratory and qualitative focus study was to investigate the status of dental hygiene as a profession. Information was gathered from four self-facilitating focus groups: first year dental hygiene students comprised the first group and the other three focus groups were comprised of practising dental hygienists. Criteria for defining a profession was established by the first focus group; further discussion from the other three focus groups was categorized, and if needed, a new category was designated.

Alberta↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Focus groups. Giving voice to people.

The authors used focus groups to evaluate the effectiveness of specific patient teaching tools on patient education outcomes. In addition, data from the focus groups identified both deficiencies in the teaching-education process and ways to improve patient education and self-care outcomes. Negative and positive aspects of using focus groups in outcome measurement are included.

Focus Groups↗
PubMed2006

Understanding the multiple realities of everyday life: basic assumptions in focus-group methodology.

In recent years, there has been a notable growth in the use of focus groups within occupational therapy. It is important to understand what kind of knowledge focus-group methodology is meant to acquire. The purpose of this article is to create an understanding of the basic assumptions within focus-group methodology from a theory of science perspective in order to elucidate and encourage reflection on the paradigm. This will be done based on a study of contemporary literature. To further the knowledge of basic assumptions the article will focus on the following themes: the focus-group research arena, the foundation and its core components; subjects, the role of the researcher and the participants; activities, the specific tasks and procedures. Focus-group methodology can be regarded as a specific research method within qualitative methodology with its own form of methodological criteria, as well as its own research procedures. Participants construct a framework to make sense of their experiences, and in interaction with others these experiences will be modified, leading to the construction of new knowledge. The role of the group leader is to facilitate a fruitful environment for the meaning to emerge and to ensure that the understanding of the meaning emerges independently of the interpreter. Focus-group methodology thus shares, in the authors' view, some basic assumptions with social constructivism.

Focus Groups↗
PubMed2006

'Best practice' in focus group research: making sense of different views.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to identify the broad epistemological debates which underpin conflicting statements on 'rigour' and 'good practice' in qualitative research; to relate divergences in statements of 'good practice' in focus group design made by the pre-eminent commentators on focus group methodology to these broader epistemological debates; and to stimulate further reflection on the range of possible uses for focus groups in health services research. Considerations of the analysis of focus group data are beyond the scope of this paper. DISCUSSION: Focus groups are a popular form of qualitative data collection, and may be defined as a particular form of group interview intended to exploit group dynamics. While qualitative research may be broadly characterized as concerned with exploring people's lived experiences and perspectives in context, it is a heterogeneous field incorporating many theoretical traditions. Consequently, qualitative researchers may be informed by a wide range of assumptions about the nature of knowledge (epistemology). These assumptions, whether implicit or explicit, have important consequences for claims about rigour and 'good practice' in data collection. Thus, while there is broad agreement over the general form of focus groups, statements of 'good practice' in terms of its application are varied. A close reading of texts by the two pre-eminent commentators on the practical application of focus groups identifies differences in 'best practice' focus group design related to their respective epistemological assumptions, and differences principally related to sampling techniques, composition of groups, the perceived role of group interaction and the nature of inference. CONCLUSION: Explicit consideration of the epistemological basis of divergent statements of 'best practice' in focus group design forces health services researchers to balance the demands of theory with the practicalities of conducting focus group research within complex host organisations; and encourages readers to apply appraisal criteria appropriate to the stated intentions of researchers.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗
PubMed1997

An examination of the therapeutic benefits of focus groups on elderly worriers.

This study examines the effects on elderly worriers, of a focus group discussion about the topic of worry. All subjects (N = 21) were self-designated worriers, and at least seventy years of age. Pretest and-Posttest measures included questionnaires on worry, life satisfaction, and psychological symptom domains unrelated to the focus group topic. The percentage of the day spent worrying variable, which was the criterion variable for admittance into the groups, showed a significant reduction from pre to post. The focus group participants also evaluated the focus group experience as positive and beneficial. The value of focus groups for therapeutic effectiveness and data collection with the elderly are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Fit for practice? An exploration of the development of newly qualified nurses using focus groups.

UNLABELLED: Previous research in the newly qualified has primarily focused upon their levels of competence at the time of registration rather than upon the way that this continues to develop over time. Though newly qualified nurses are expected to be competent and able to practice independently without direct supervision the reality is that, for most, their training has not equipped them with the knowledge, skills or confidence necessary for independent practice. This belief provided the foundations for this study designed to gain an understanding of the way that competence develops amongst nurses themselves and how this is seen by their managers and those working with them. It focused neither on what competencies nurses possessed nor on the level of overall competence but rather on the factors influencing the development of competence over time. RESEARCH DESIGN: This qualitative exploratory study relied upon a combination of focus groups and individual interviews to access information and perceptions not readily accessible through more quantitative means. DATA COLLECTION: Data was collected using focus groups involving newly qualified staff, including both those on a development programme and those in substantive posts, experienced qualified nurses (preceptors) and practice development nurses. A total of twelve focus groups were conducted yielding a purposive sample of 105 volunteer participants; groups were continued until no new data emerged and saturation was achieved. Ward managers (5) were interviewed individually and their data was added to that obtained from the focus groups. ANALYSIS: Content analysis of the transcripts enabled the material to be explored systematically to identify relevant themes and categories within the data thus helping to clarify descriptions of the major issues identified; these were returned to the participants to ensure validity in data interpretation. FINDINGS: Ward managers appear to have low expectations of the newly qualified while 'new' nurses themselves believe that they are expected to be able to fulfil tasks that they feel ill-equipped to undertake. This emphasises the need for appropriate support to enable them to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence and enable independent practice. While staff development programmes benefit some, others gain equal value from supportive preceptorship in helping them to develop the clinical and managerial skills necessary in today's healthcare climate.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1997

Focus groups with children: a resource for sexual abuse prevention program evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the focus group method as a tool for conducting research with children and critiques the advantages and disadvantages of the use of focus groups with children for evaluative purposes. METHOD: A description of the focus group method and the phases involved in its development and implementation in one child sexual abuse prevention program evaluation is provided, along with general recommendations derived from the study. RESULTS: The described study reveals that the focus group method is highly feasible and that children are capable of participating in research using this method. Use of the focus group for data collection allows discovery of unanticipated information such as the role of context in shaping children's interpretations of prevention messages and subtle between-group differences in cognitive style and reactions to prevention messages. CONCLUSIONS: The focus group represents untapped potential for furthering the quality and usefulness of child sexual abuse prevention research. The method is an innovative strategy for elaboration upon quantitative findings and the development of instrumentation. The method is also worthwhile for exploratory research and for program evaluations that seek in-depth understanding of the meaning of prevention messages in a child's world.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical decisions: defining meaning through focus groups.

In this article, the author illustrates the use of an adapted focus group process. He uses the example of canvassing the views of registered mental health nurses about the meaning of the term clinical decision. The article centres on the process involved in what the author has called 'the grounded focus group', a combination of traditional focus group work with analysis techniques drawn from grounded theory. The author describes the techniques involved, and offers a practical guide to the application of such groups, discussing the skills and important concerns involved in facilitating focus groups of this type.

Data Collection↗
PubMed2004

Thirty-five voices in search of an author: what focus groups reveal about patients experiences in managed care settings.

Surprisingly little direct information from patients is available in the medical literature. Focus groups, which came into use in the 1940s, provide a simple, cost effective way of exploring attitudes and values within market segments or targeted groups. In healthcare, focus groups are being used to track patients' experiences, expectations and satisfaction in order to optimize quality and cost effectiveness. This study reports on a collaboration of three upstate New York Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) that used the same focus group format and questions to identify' best practices' and opportunities for improvement. Participants across groups reported similar experiences despite differences in geography and plan organization. Members' most positive comments were about costs, preventive services, ease of paper work and access to sick care, all administrative functions of the health plans. The most negative focused on retaining one's physician, telephone access, providers' medical skills, provider behavior and notification of results, all related to interpersonal/communication issues. We conclude that focus groups are useful for understanding and responding to the 'voice of the customer'. They also have some distinct advantages over forced-choice questionnaires, especially in trying to discover the range of patients' experiences and expectations, though they are not without their challenges.

Focus Groups↗
PubMed1996

Focus group interviews as a tool for psychiatric nursing research.

This paper explores the potential of focus group interviews in psychiatric nursing research. The main advantage of focus groups lies in allowing a larger number of participants to be included in the research, promoting greater discussion and idea generation than would be possible in individual interviews. However, as a research method the focus group is relatively unknown in psychiatric nursing and is therefore underutilized. The purpose of this article is to outline the potential advantages and disadvantages of focus groups as a research method. The process of focus group interviews is illustrated by the author's own experience with this method.

Focus Groups↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Perinatal substance abuse treatment. Findings from focus groups with clients and providers.

Thirty-three focus groups were conducted with pregnant women in substance abuse treatment and their providers in order to identify factors in women's lives that facilitate and hamper their treatment process and successful program components to address the needs of this high-risk population. The focus groups were conducted as part of a larger evaluation of demonstrations funded by the Health Care Financing Administration. From the 88 women in the focus groups we received a picture of their troubled lives and the events that led to their participation in the programs. The women had difficult childhoods, and currently had weak support networks and difficult relationships with male partners, many of whom were substance abusers. Most had children, which complicated getting into and staying in treatment. However, fear of losing custody of children was a major motivator for treatment. Important components of successful programs included: (a) the development of interorganizational linkages between various governmental agencies, especially child protection systems, prenatal care providers, and substance abuse treatment agencies and providers; (b) outreach and systems for identifying pregnant substance abusers through provider education and routine screening; and (c) intensive case management, necessary to link women to the many services they needed in order to obtain treatment, such as child care, transportation, and housing.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Involving users in service planning: a focus group approach.

This paper outlines the way in which a focus group approach was used to involve service users in the possible reconfiguration of follow-up services for breast cancer patients at a North London hospital. The focus group was used to identify the priority issues for users and the development of an objective questionnaire, to survey all current service users. Within the National Health Service (NHS) the concept of user involvement has been embodied in contemporary health policy, and has become an important constituent of current policy direction. This study was the first stage of a larger stakeholder project that aimed to involve service users and clinicians in developing a new model of breast cancer follow-up service. From the focus group emerged five key themes around breast cancer follow up. They were: The need for reassurance after the diagnosis of cancer. Continuity of care. Privacy and dignity and other elements of the examination technique. Information and the detection of new symptoms. The opportunity to discuss feelings and worries. In this paper, the nature of breast cancer follow-up services is outlined, and the difficulties associated with such services are discussed. The background to user involvement within the United Kingdom is explored, and the strategies that have previously been used are considered. The practical issues involved in using the focus group approach are examined, and the experience of using such an approach is outlined in this study. The involvement of service users as a key stakeholder in the process of planning change, through a participatory research strategy, ensured that their voices were heard alongside those of both hospital and primary care staff.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation: focus groups inform design of a consumer-directed cash option.

The purposes of the study were to explore consumer preferences for a cash option, to inform the ongoing CCDE survey and program design, and to identify the messages that the CCDE and other states should include when informing consumers about a cash option. The preference study consisted of 3 parts: 11 pre-survey focus groups, a telephone survey in each of the 4 participating states, and 16 post-survey focus groups. This article highlights unique results from pre- and post-survey focus groups. Focus group discussions were audiotaped and videotaped and transcribed. Transcripts were manually coded and text was clustered according to the moderator's guide questions and some new and recurrent themes that emerged. Overall, focus group participants, including elders, expressed positive feelings about the CCDE, especially about having a role in hiring workers and determining the workers' schedules and responsibilities. Focus groups provided important lessons about features to highlight when presenting program information to potential consumers and their families. Program planners must also bear in mind consumer concerns, especially considering that less than 10% of eligible Medicaid consumers volunteered for the cash option. These findings will be useful in guiding other states as they develop new cash and counseling programs, especially those in the current Cash and Counseling replication project.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of focus groups as a tool to enhance a pharmaceutical care practice.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the utility of the focus group as a tool for pharmacists to use to determine the perceived drug-related needs of patients and prescribers and to use the information collected from focus groups to create a practice enhancement plan. DESIGN: Focus groups consisting of patients, prescribers, and pharmacists were asked a series of questions exploring potential drug-related needs and their views regarding who should take responsibility for addressing these needs. The information was synthesized to reveal items of consistency and disparity among groups, and the findings were used to create a plan for a developing pharmaceutical care practice. SETTING: Grocery store chain pharmacy in a suburban metropolitan area. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Pharmacy patients, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PA)s, and pharmacists. RESULTS: Data describing the process of focus group application in a community pharmacy setting and information relevant to enhancement of a specific practice were collected. Total time required to gather information was approximately 60 hours. Focus groups were held with NPs/ PAs and patients; pharmacists were interviewed. Patients' self-described drug-related needs included education, ensuring they receive the right medication, ensuring efficacy, interaction screening, and refills. Prescribers defined their needs as primarily administrative, specifically mentioning formulary management. Both patients and NPs/PAs saw pharmacists primarily as a source for medications and medication information and did not view them as significant contributors to comprehensive drug therapy management. CONCLUSION: Focus groups are a useful method for gathering information for the purpose of practice development. Data gathered through this work identified a significant gap in awareness of both the qualifications and capabilities of pharmacists, suggesting that future success of the pharmaceutical care practice is dependent on altering existing perceptions held by patients and prescribers.

Aged↗