Using Focus Groups in the Refinement of a Research Tool

Abstract

As part of a larger research study, two graduate students used focus groups to collect data to assist in the refinement of a tool (Patient Assessment Questionnaire, PAQ) to identify the sociodemographic characteristics associated with the presence of body piercings in elective surgery patients. Two focus groups were convened. The first group consisted of perioperative nurse experts who were asked to validate the content in the PAQ. The second group consisted of a convenience sample, similar to the target population for the larger research study. The second group was asked to pilot-test a prototype of the PAQ and provide feedback regarding their experiences with completing it. The authors conclude that the use of focus groups proved to be an appropriate and efficient method for testing and refining a research tool.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 08, 2005
Accession Number
ADA434247

Entities

People

  • Cheryl Reilly
  • Joanna Bourne
  • Linda Wanzer
  • Sandra Bibb
  • Tara N. Constantine

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Feedback
  • Lessons Learned
  • Literature
  • Literature Surveys
  • Materials
  • Minority Groups
  • Models
  • Recording Systems
  • Specialists
  • Tape Recording
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Video Recording

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Medical or Health Care Field.
  • Neurotoxicology