title: Focus groups.
abstract: This paper introduces focus group methodology and discusses its relevance to those researching health care provision. As a qualitative data collection technique, the focus group has advantages over other qualitative methods, such as the in-depth interview and nominal group technique. This paper highlights these advantages after providing guidelines on group composition, the management of group discussion and the process of analysing results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, University of Exeter, Wonford House Hospital, UK. R.A.Powell@exeter.ac.uk
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Single
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods*; D006126:Group Processes; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent