title: Lessons Learned From Using Focus Groups to Refine Digital Interventions.
abstract: There is growing interest in applying novel eHealth approaches for the prevention and management of various health conditions, with the ultimate goal of increasing positive patient outcomes and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health services delivery. Coupled with the use of innovative approaches is the possibility for adverse outcomes, highlighting the need to strategically refine digital practices prior to implementation with patients. One appropriate method for modification purposes includes focus groups. Although it is a well-established method in qualitative research, there is a lack of guidance regarding the use of focus groups for digital intervention refinement. To address this gap, the purpose of our paper is to highlight several lessons our research team has learned in using focus groups to help refine digital interventions prior to use with patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Jillian Ls
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1901-5870
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Avis
authors.forename: Trevor
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5675-0084
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: van Mierlo
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7826-6480
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fournier
authors.forename: Geoff Dc
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9432-3120
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Ball
keywords: Internet; data collection; digital interventions; focus groups; health care; qualitative research