Focus groups have been part of ISR's data collection tool kit since the mid 1980s. Most often, the Institute uses this methodology as an adjunct to survey research. ISR has also used focus group research for program and policy evaluation as well as stand alone qualitative studies. Some recent applications include the following.
Qualitative Study
The Future Patient is a qualitative study of doctor-patient relationships undertaken by a research team from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. Using focus group data, it examines the role of various social forces in health care and how these forces affect doctor-patient relationships now and in the future. Six patient focus groups were held in the spring of 2002 to discuss the impact of information technology, screening, life style behaviours and the use of alternative and complimentary health practioners. Three of the sessions were with younger participants (35-45 years of age) and three were with participants 46-60 years of age as comparisons between younger and older patients is an important aspect of the research. In the fall of 2002, six focus groups with family physicians addressed the same issues. The physician groups also commented on opinions and perceptions expressed in the patient groups. These data are now being analyzed by the research team. Principal Investigators include Dr. Wendy Levinson, Associate Director, Research, St. Michael's Hospital and Vice Chair, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Dr. Pamela Hudak, PhD., Research Associate, St. Michael's Hospital; and Dr. Kim Bercowitz, PhD., Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Services, University of Toronto.
Exploratory Research
In 2002, The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU) and Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto undertook preliminary research about smoking in outdoor public places in order to provide a knowledge base for tobacco control policy and program initiatives in this area. Funded through a Planning Grant from the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the project addressed two key research questions. First, what physical and social cues influence smoking in outdoor public places? Second, what are the attitudes and perspectives of smokers and non- smokers about smoking restrictions in different types of outdoor public places? As part of this exploratory research, ISR carried out a small focus group study to examine the views of smokers and non-smokers in Toronto with respect to smoking in outdoor public places. Important methodological objectives were the feasibility of recruiting participants from outdoor public places where an observational component of the research might be taking place; and, identification of key issues that might contribute to a guide for face to face interviews in future research . Principal Investigators at OTRU included Director, Dr. Roberta Ferrence and Dr. Pamela Kaufman, Research Associate.
Program Evaluation
In May 2001, the Ontario Literacy Coalition (OLC) began a public awareness campaign called "What Did You Learn Today?" It promotes the idea that we all find ourselves somewhere on the learning continuum and that literacy should be seen as part of learning. On behalf of OLC, the Institute carried out focus groups in 2002 in order to provide information that could help the OLC evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign so far. Specific aims were to describe reactions to the television and radio commercials produced for the campaign; provide information about people's perceptions of learning and literacy; and, identify ideas to make the campaign more effective in the future. At the Ontario Literacy Coalition, Anette Chawla, Manager, Special Projects was in charge of this research.
Program Development
In preparation for designing a training workshop about effective interviewing techniques, the Centre for Practical Ethics at York University wished to have input about concerns that arise during the interview process and training needs from the perspective of Immigration Officers who interview people entering Canada. As a way to obtain this information, the Centre commissioned ISR to carry out a small focus group study. The overall goal of the study was to identify aspects of the interview process that Immigration Officers find difficult, the techniques that they use to handle a variety of interviewing situations and what tools and resources would help them be effective interviewers and ensure that the process is equitable and fair. More specific topics included the responsibilities of interviewers, descriptions of a good interview, difficult aspects of the process, techniques for handling language barriers, evasions, lies and other problems, the issues and concerns that arise during interviews with different kinds of people (such as immigrants, refugees, businesspeople, foreign students, etc.), how these problems could be resolved and what they would like included in a training workshop. Dr. David Shugarman, Director, Centre for Practical Ethics led this project.
Cognitive Testing
Between the summer of 2001 and the spring of 2002, The Institute completed a province-wide study on nutrition on behalf of Cancer Care Ontario, an agency of the Government of Ontario. Approximately 3,200 CATI interviews were conducted with randomly-selected Ontario residents to help the researchers evaluate current fruit and vegetable consumption and develop a nutrition strategy to raise awareness of the importance of diet, healthy eating and cancer risk. During the design phase, focus groups were convened for "read aloud interviews" to improve questionnaire design. Participants aswered survey questions about quantities eaten and frequency of consumption and then discussed how they arrived at their answers. The principal investigator for this study was Loraine Marrett and co-investigator was Melody Roberts, both of Cancer Care Ontario. The research team was also guided by a Steering Committee and the Toronto Public Health Department. Renée lsbett-Koeppen directed data collection at ISR.
Pre-Testing
The scope of chemical and other health hazards in the workplace has been increasing in recent years. In 2000, researchers at the University of Toronto undertook a survey of health care professionals to assess symptoms and possible health problems, an important step in improving their working environment. On behalf of Dr. Gary Liss of the GAGE Occupational & Environmental Health Unit in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, the Institute conducted this mail survey of 3,000 members of the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (OAMRT) and 3,000 members of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA). Prior to data collection, focus groups with radiologists and physiotherapists were convened to pre-test the mail out questionnaire. Participants filled out the survey and then discussed each item with respect to such things as salience, clarity and omissions.
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