The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72717

Susan E. Caverly, PhD, ARNP, Psychosocial and Community Health Nursing, University of Washington, Box # 357263, Seattle, WA 98195-7263, 206-369-3068, scaverly@u.washington.edu

This paper presents the secondary analysis of a series of thirty focus groups addressing public sector community mental health services. The purpose of the secondary analysis was to explore the potential use of focus groups to access stakeholder voice in the public sector community mental health system. The intent was to evaluate whether data derived from focus groups can be construed as a valid indicator of public opinion as opposed to special interest opinion. If so, focus groups represent an efficient and cost-effective method for advising public health policymakers. The citizenry is the ultimate customer and funder of public sector health services, decision makers must understand the needs, priorities and expectations of these stakeholders. Creating a situation of "ideal speech" promotes opportunity for social justice and involvement in the policy process.

Using Atlas.ti, focus groups from three geographic sites and four constituencies were analyzed for thematic content. Data was compared for patterns of consistency within and across localities and constituencies. The number of focus groups conducted by the same moderator using the same topical guide made this analysis possible. The results supported focus groups as a trustworthy research method when the procedure for convening, conducting, and analyzing the groups is clearly developed and consistently applied.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• 1.Identify circumstances in which the use of focus groups would contribute toward development of rational, socially just public health policy.
• 2.Describe a trustworthy process for conducting and analyzing focus groups.
• 3.Evaluate the results of research using focus groups as method.
• 4.Develop a plan for using focus groups to gather information from a broad range of community service stakeholders.

Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.