Using focus group discussions to explore the use of routinely collected health data: lessons learned
Using focus group discussions to explore the use of routinely collected health data: lessons learned
Background: The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence regarding the quality of healthcare. However, improvements often stall when viewed as research, separating them from healthcare. Ways to inhabit the hybrid space between healthcare and research, for example, technological developments in healthcare data collection, generate concerns about privacy, consent and data protection. Whilst such concerns are understandable, too much emphasis on these values comes at the cost of healthcare progress. Health psychology researchers can shine a light on this important area.
Aim: Explore stakeholder views regarding their health data being routinely available for research and learning purposes.
Methods: A rapid qualitative research design was used to conduct online focus group discussions (FGD). Twenty-nine participants (21 women) between 19-77 years-of-age (mean 33 years-of-age) took part in six FGDs; transcripts were analysed thematically.
What went wrong: Despite our team’s experience, deliberating extensively regarding the content of the topic guide and several iterations after each FGD, the data were unable to meet our research aim. Participants often had strong, polarised views regarding privacy and security that prevented nuanced discussion and data saturation was quickly reached.
Possible solutions/conclusions: Focus groups are not an effective method to explore complicated topics with which participants may have limited previous experience. Therefore, we have developed an innovative new approach, which includes: non-digital methods to engage with a broader sample; public consultation; space for science communication and for participants to form opinions; as well as creative methods of collecting views and opinions i.e. story/comic strip completion.
Ballard, Lisa
48a7b1af-4d2b-4ec7-8927-84361a3c62a9
Lyle, Kate
ff88e501-884c-423a-8050-f915fc19f0a8
Hardcastle, Faranak
34df10f9-1727-4d1c-b610-656d24647bbd
Lucassen, Anneke
2eb85efc-c6e8-4c3f-b963-0290f6c038a5
23 August 2021
Ballard, Lisa
48a7b1af-4d2b-4ec7-8927-84361a3c62a9
Lyle, Kate
ff88e501-884c-423a-8050-f915fc19f0a8
Hardcastle, Faranak
34df10f9-1727-4d1c-b610-656d24647bbd
Lucassen, Anneke
2eb85efc-c6e8-4c3f-b963-0290f6c038a5
Ballard, Lisa, Lyle, Kate, Hardcastle, Faranak and Lucassen, Anneke
(2021)
Using focus group discussions to explore the use of routinely collected health data: lessons learned.
European Health Psychology Society (EHPS) (Virtual).
23 - 27 Aug 2021.
Record type:
Conference or Workshop Item
(Paper)
Abstract
Background: The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence regarding the quality of healthcare. However, improvements often stall when viewed as research, separating them from healthcare. Ways to inhabit the hybrid space between healthcare and research, for example, technological developments in healthcare data collection, generate concerns about privacy, consent and data protection. Whilst such concerns are understandable, too much emphasis on these values comes at the cost of healthcare progress. Health psychology researchers can shine a light on this important area.
Aim: Explore stakeholder views regarding their health data being routinely available for research and learning purposes.
Methods: A rapid qualitative research design was used to conduct online focus group discussions (FGD). Twenty-nine participants (21 women) between 19-77 years-of-age (mean 33 years-of-age) took part in six FGDs; transcripts were analysed thematically.
What went wrong: Despite our team’s experience, deliberating extensively regarding the content of the topic guide and several iterations after each FGD, the data were unable to meet our research aim. Participants often had strong, polarised views regarding privacy and security that prevented nuanced discussion and data saturation was quickly reached.
Possible solutions/conclusions: Focus groups are not an effective method to explore complicated topics with which participants may have limited previous experience. Therefore, we have developed an innovative new approach, which includes: non-digital methods to engage with a broader sample; public consultation; space for science communication and for participants to form opinions; as well as creative methods of collecting views and opinions i.e. story/comic strip completion.
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EHPS Oral Presentation v1
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Published date: 23 August 2021
Venue - Dates:
European Health Psychology Society (EHPS) (Virtual), 2021-08-23 - 2021-08-27
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 456897
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/456897
PURE UUID: cc7e01f7-2d01-45dd-9251-e42d7ad0a781
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Date deposited: 16 May 2022 16:40
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 03:37
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