The focus group: Is this an acceptable method of exploring women's knowledge of the oral contraceptive?
Taylor MJO., Farmer A., Craig C.
Focus groups have been widely, used in industry, particularly in market research. Their value in medicine is undetermined. The aim of this study was to establish the acceptability of the results of a focus group on women's knowledge of the contraceptive pill to a range of health care professionals. By the use of a questionnaire it was found that most found the results relevant and that the findings could be applied more generally. Criticisms of the methodology centred on concerns over how representative the sample was. Most respondents found points from the report that may make them change their practices help plan patient education or prompt further research. This study supports the case for the wider use of focus groups.