The learning curve: the advantages and disadvantages in the use of focus groups as a method of data collection

Mansell, Ian; Bennett, Glynis; Northway, Ruth; Mead, Donna; Moseley, Laurence

doi:10.7748/nr2004.07.11.4.79.c6217

Cited by 104 publications

(86 citation statements)

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“…The transcripts were copied for the group so that members could read it and validate what had been recorded. The question of participants validating transcripts did cause the researcher some concern as it has been reported that there is a risk that people will remember what they wished they had said or what they thought they had said, rather than what they had actually said (Mansell et al, 2004). However, in this study there was no need for concern as the participants validated what was recorded.…”

Section: The Analysis Processmentioning

confidence: 89%

Involving users in service planning: A focus group approach

Kelly

Caldwell

Henshaw

2006

European Journal of Oncology Nursing

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Summary 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.

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Section: The Analysis Processmentioning

confidence: 89%

Involving users in service planning: A focus group approach

Kelly

Caldwell

Henshaw

2006

European Journal of Oncology Nursing

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“…The aim of the focus group discussions was for participants to explore and indicate their level of agreement that a given criterion on the interview schedule suggests that the NPO is doing the right thing. Mansell, Bennett, Northway, Mead, and Moseley [29] argue that differences in management levels among members of a focus group lead to hierarchical differences, which not only intimidate but also make some members uncomfortable to provide information. To prevent such a situation from occurring, Mansell et al [29] suggest that less senior members can become moderators and assistant moderators of the focus group discussion.…”

Section: Interviews With Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mansell, Bennett, Northway, Mead, and Moseley [29] argue that differences in management levels among members of a focus group lead to hierarchical differences, which not only intimidate but also make some members uncomfortable to provide information. To prevent such a situation from occurring, Mansell et al [29] suggest that less senior members can become moderators and assistant moderators of the focus group discussion. This technique was used with the consent of the Director who committed to ensuring that all the members freely participated at the same level.…”

Section: Interviews With Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determinants of Sustainability and Organisational Effectiveness in Non-Profit Organisations

et al. 2015

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This case study investigates the criteria for organizational effectiveness in non-profit organizations (NPOs) with the aim to determine how the elements of sustainability fit within the criteria. To achieve this, the study utilized the research questions: "what criteria do NPOs use to evaluate their effectiveness?" and "how is sustainability embedded in NPO effectiveness?" The research design was interpretivist, adopting focus group interviews to obtain data. Specifically, two focus group interviews were held with the top management of an NPO which revealed that both financial and non-financial criteria were equally essential for NPO effectiveness. This finding is consistent with the literature, although it contradicts the initial assumption of the study that NPO effectiveness was based more on non-financial criteria than financial criteria. The study also found that the effectiveness of an NPO should be viewed in two ways: firstly, "the full achievement of its mandate" and, secondly, "the ability to run business projects to cover cost." It also emerged that both the ability to cover costs and the achievement of a mandate should be done in a sustainable manner (a sustainable manner is seen as one that is harmonious with the natural and the socio-political environment). The results of this paper present a practical case for the management of NPOs by reiterating that the full achievement of the NPO mandate and the successful running of social projects to generate funds for sustainability are key elements of effectiveness. Given the essential role that NPOs play in developing countries, this study has OPEN ACCESS Sustainability 2015, 7 9561 provided the foundation for more widespread enquiry into the sustainability and effectiveness of NPOs.

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“…In the focus group interviews, some participants can become dominating, thus making other participants say very little (Mansell, Bennett, Northway, Mead, & Moseley, 2004). In the CW, there is room for all the participants to give their input because they have already written it on the paper notes, which therefore become a way for them to engage in the discussion.…”

Section: The Chronicle Workhop -Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applying the chronicle workshop as a method for evaluating participatory interventions

Poulsen

Ipsen

Gish

2015

IJHFE

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Despite the growing interest for process evaluation in participatory interventions, studies examining specific methods for process evaluation are lacking. In this paper, we propose a new method for process evaluation--the Chronicle Workshop. The Chronicle Workshop has not previously been used in intervention studies. The method was tested in three small and medium-sized companies. Four to six employees participated in each Chronicle Workshop, which was the last activity of the participatory preventive intervention program PoWRS. The program aims at creating changes which have a positive effect on both productivity and well-being.In all cases we saw that the Chronicle Workshop gave valuable information about the intervention process and that it initiated a joint reflection among participants from different departments. The Chronicle Workshop makes it possible to better understand the results of the intervention, the factors affecting it, and the outcome evaluation based on a summary view of the company and interventionrelated factors that influence the intervention program and results.

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The learning curve: the advantages and disadvantages in the use of focus groups as a method of data collection

Cited by 104 publications

References 0 publications

Involving users in service planning: A focus group approach

Involving users in service planning: A focus group approach

Determinants of Sustainability and Organisational Effectiveness in Non-Profit Organisations

Applying the chronicle workshop as a method for evaluating participatory interventions

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