Pharmacy Practice

Focus groups 441● What others issues are important regarding…?As is common in all qualitative interviews, the issues raised and discussed aredetermined by the respondents, rather than following the agenda and perspectives of theresearcher.DATA ANALYSISIn analysis of focus group data, the principles of one to one qualitative interviews aregenerally followed (see Chapter 26). However, the data from focus groups has the addedcomplexity in that the group process will have an impact on the data obtained. Theanalysis and interpretation of the data should be undertaken bearing in mind the contextin which they were derived.ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONSAll research raises ethical issues. Some of these are common to many types of study,whilst other considerations are pertinent to particular methodologies or procedures.Maintaining the confidentiality of data must be addressed in all research. Researchersgenerally remove individual (and possibly group) identifiers from transcripts of focusgroup discussions prior to analysis.Focus group discussions are generally audio-taped. Verbatim transcripts are seen asimportant to ensure that detailed and comprehensive data required for qualitativeanalytical procedures are obtained. In individual interviews, respondents will be informedof the researcher’s wish to audiotape the interview and their consent will be requested. Asimilar procedure is adopted when working with groups. An objection by any member ofthe group must be respected. If the reasons for the need to audiotape are stated (i.e. that itis important that everyone’s views and thoughts are documented), permission is generallygranted. However, a single objector may feel unable to speak out. Researchers whorequire a verbatim transcript, should also respect the rights of individuals to feel able tovoice their concern.Researchers frequently choose to conduct focus groups rather than individualinterviews, because they believe that they will be more effective in identifying a widerange of issues, considering alternative viewpoints and securing an in-depth discussion.This will be the case only if group members are willing to share their thoughts andexperiences with others. If relevant issues are not raised in the discussion this will impacton the validity of the data. In groups that include people who know each other,individuals may have had experiences that they have shared with another group member,but that they would not wish to be raised for open discussion in the context of theresearch study. Circumstances could arise in the course of the discussion that leaveindividuals feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable.There are examples in the literature of focus group research that has been conducted