Dictionary of Evidence-based Medicine.pdf

Dictionary of Evidence-based Medicine 65
questions may be conveyed by the observers to the moderators at intermissions.
Indeed, the participants themselves are encouraged to generate
new questions for group exploration. Throughout the sessions, an informal
atmosphere is encouraged through proper seating arrangements and with
exchange of personal experiences, jokes and anecdotes. Group norms
about highly sensitive issues such as sexual behaviour and cultural values
can then be explored. Subjects who cannot read or write can participate
and with skilful moderation, the more reticent can contribute fully to the
discussions (Morgan D (1988) Focus groups as qualitative research. Sage,
London. Kreugerk RA (1988) Focus groups: a practical guide for applied
research. Sage, London).
Follow-up study (see a/so under Cohort study)
A prospective study in which subjects are recruited and followed forward
in time.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA of the United States is the country's food and drug regulatory
authority. It sets standards which manufacturers are advised to adopt or
which they must meet in order to obtain marketing authorization (see
website www.fda.gov).
(The) Fundamental economic problem (see Economic problem)
Fundholding
This refers to the scheme initiated by the UK Department of Health
whereby primary care physicians (general practitioners or GPs) were able
to volunteer to hold a budget with which to buy services for their patients.
With a budget, they could determine allocation for the different types of
services on offer and savings made in one area (e.g. expenditure on drugs)
could be used elsewhere (e.g. services of a diabetes adviser or additional
nurse). Savings could not be used for personal gain except indirectly such
as through capital investments to improve their premises.
By the end of 1996, over 50% of GPs were fundholders in some capacity.
A recent report by the UK Audit Commission suggests that only in some
10% of GP fundholding practices had benefits been gained by patients.
Fundholding is being reorganized into consortia or primary care groups