Research in Partnership With Older People-Involvement in Conducting and Analysing Focus Groups

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Collaboration in data collection and analysis involving co-researchers is under-described.
• The impact of co-researcher involvement on research processes and outcomes is largely unknown.
• This study addresses the gap by involving older co-researchers in focus group moderation and analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process and outcomes of involving older co-researchers in focus group moderation and analysis.
• To provide recommendations for effective co-researcher engagement in qualitative research.
• To highlight the benefits and challenges of this collaborative approach.

Main Methods:

• The SeFallED project incorporated co-researchers in moderating and analyzing focus group interviews.
• Focus groups were co-moderated by academic researchers and co-researchers.
• Co-analysis involved two co-researchers working with three transcripts.
• Research diaries and participant feedback were used for reflection.

Main Results:

• Facilitators included a positive atmosphere and training for co-researchers.
• Challenges involved significant time commitments.
• Collaboration led to increased focus on participants' emotions.
• Co-analysis facilitated a deeper understanding of participant statements.

Conclusions:

• Recommendations are provided for involving co-researchers in focus groups.
• Key elements for success include a positive environment, training, and adequate time.
• Findings sensitize researchers to the potential impacts on research outcomes.