Improving patient satisfaction through focus group interviews

Long used by the social science community, focus groups have been increasingly used by nursing leaders to obtain information and feedback. Use of the focus group interview (FGI), a qualitative research method, allows the nurse executive the opportunity to obtain data on a variety of topics. In order for the findings to be meaningful, however, the researcher must adhere to basic FGI design and data analysis. Like other research methodologies, the focus group offers advantages and disadvantages that must be evaluated for appropriateness and feasibility. The article illustrates the use of the FGI to spark the creation of patient-focused care and significant increases in patient satisfaction in an academic medical center.