This document provides guidance for conducting a focus group in three stages: before, during, and after. It outlines steps to take such as determining goals, recruiting participants, moderating the session, and analyzing the results. Key aspects covered include selecting roles, providing incentives, contacting participants, facilitating discussion, taking notes, debriefing afterward, transcribing recordings, analyzing themes, and reporting findings.

1. Focus Group Guide by Rafael Porto Carrero

2. “ Before” Plan Determine GOALS Decide WHO should be invited RECRUIT participants CONTACTING participants Designate ROLES Think about INCENTIVES

3. Determine GOALS What is the purpose of the study? What do you wish to gain from the focus group?

4. Designate ROLES The moderator should be Comfortable with leading a group Able to guide the discussion The assistant moderator should be different than the moderator Demographics Experiences

5. WHO should be invited? Population Homogeneity Study purpose Budget & Resources Things to think about:

6. Incentives Incentives can speed up recruitment Incentive types depend on knowing what matters to the participants Money is often most convenient incentive

7. RECRUIT participants Get the word out! Things to include: Study particulars Incentives Contact information

8. CONTACTING participants Initial Screening -~2 weeks before the session -Drop names Reminder Calls -The day before the session -Short & Simple

9. “ Day of ” Plan Setting up Meeting and Greeting Wrapping-Up Debriefing Taking Notes Signing Consent Forms

10. Setting up Refreshments Consent forms Note-taking supplies Seating Recorders

11. Example of How a Session Can Look M P P P P P P P P REFRESHMENTS AM R R

12. Meeting and greeting Sets the atmosphere for participants to get acquainted Encourages everyone to talk in a group Designed to make people feel comfortable by identifying common characteristics

13. Informed consent Human Subjects Research Review Committee defines issues that need to be addressed Whenever subjects may be at risk, a statement of informed consent must be presented and signed. Informed Consent must: Explain potential risks to participants in project Inform participant of their rights in project

14. Starting the discussion Moderator facilitates introductions Assistant begins recording, taking notes Moderator guides discussion and facilitates interaction Notes ideas to bring up later

15. Taking notes Do not participate unless asked to Sketch seating assignment Do not attempt to write everything Capture well-said quotes word for word Include nonverbal communication Nods, emotion, eye contact Note questions for wrap-up

16. Meeting Wrap-Up Options for closing: Summarize main points and invite additional comments and questions Address questions that were deferred to end Sign for incentives Thank everyone Move people out the door

17. De-briefing ASAP -- FIRST – Make sure the recording worked! -- Then -- The moderator and assistant compare notes and think about how to structure the analysis

18. “ After the Focus Group” Plan TRANSCRIBE Focus Group READ Transcript PRESENT Findings WRITE UP Report Select ANALYSIS Method

19. Transcribing Identify the moderator Delete “umms” and “ahs” Type comments word for word Use parentheses for non words e.g. laughter, interruptions, collective agreement + disagreement, prolonged silences Remember: It will take longer than you think!

20. Analysis Considerations Theme or question based analysis? Theme is preferable because you can triangulate your findings across focus groups Emergent vs. expected themes Analysis should take into account Body language Minority views

21. Analysis Methods + Terms There are various methods for analysis of focus group data which vary in rigor Long table approach Rapid approach Computer based Qualitative analysis software Incidence density Saturation Sub-analysis

22. Methods of Reporting Steps for Project Written report Bulleted report Oral Presentation Appropriate for Audience Community Advocates Academic Others ?

23. “ AFTER THE FOCUS GROUP” Plan TRANSCRIBE Focus Group READ Transcript PRESENT Findings WRITE UP Report Select ANALYSIS Method

24. Transcribing Identify the moderator Method depends on resources and time Delete “umms” and “ahs” Type comments word for word Use parentheses for non words e.g. laughter, interruptions, collective agreement + disagreement, prolonged silences Remember: It will take longer than you think!

25. Analysis Considerations Theme or question based analysis? Theme is preferable because you can triangulate your findings across focus groups Emergent vs. expected themes Analysis should take into account Body language Minority views

26. Analysis Methods + Terms There are various methods for analysis of focus group data which vary in rigor Long table approach Rapid approach Computer based Qualitative analysis software Incidence density Extensiveness and intensity Saturation Sub-analysis

27. Methods of Reporting Steps for Project Written report Bulleted report Oral Presentation Appropriate for Audience Community Advocates Academic Others ?

28. Questions