title: An Evaluation of In-Person and Online Engagement in Central Newfoundland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study evaluates the use of in-person focus groups and online engagement within the context of a large public engagement initiative conducted in rural Newfoundland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were surveyed about their engagement experience and demographic information. Pre and post key informant interviews were also conducted with organizers of the initiative.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 111 participants in the focus groups, 97 (87%) completed evaluation surveys; as did 23 (88%) out of 26 online engagement participants. Overall, focus group participants were positive about their involvement, with 87.4% reporting that they would participate in a similar initiative. Online participation was below expectations and these participants viewed their experience less positively than in-person participants. Organizers viewed the engagement initiative and the combined use of online and in-person engagement positively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study presents a real-world example of the use of two methods of engagement. It also highlights the importance of the successful execution of whatever engagement mechanism is selected.
authors.affiliation: Public Engagement Advisor, Nova Scotia Health Authority Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wilton
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL.
authors.forename: Doreen
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Neville
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL.
authors.forename: Rick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Audas
authors.affiliation: Vice President, Rural Health, Central Health.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Division of Pediatrics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chafe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003256:Community Participation / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult