Using focus groups as a research method: a personal experience

Aim  The personal experience and systematic process of using focus groups as a research method to assist change within an NHS Trust are described. Background  Focus groups have recently emerged as a popular qualitative research method in health research and were used in a qualitative research study to explore, from an Enrolled Nurse perspective, what it was that prevented them coming forward for conversion to the First Level of the UKCC Nursing Register. Method  The author facilitated the five focus groups with Enrolled Nurse membership within the local organizational context. Data were recorded on audio-tapes and transcribed in preparation for analysis. Results  The use of focus groups in health care research has key benefits for involving people in the research process and the subsequent changes that may occur as a result. The use of focus groups presented real challenges in the area of recruiting Enrolled Nurses to engage in such a process. Conclusions  Focus groups have a valuable role to play in both research and the involvement of people in organizational change and development. However, to persuade traditionally disempowered groups to engage in the process will be a challenge to the leaders of such projects.