FOCUS GROUPS IN MENTAL-HEALTH RESEARCH - ENHANCING THE VALIDITY OF USER AND PROVIDER QUESTIONNAIRES

Most mental health researchers rely upon quantitative methods of data collection. Whilst such methods are commonly seen as reliable, qualita tive methods are often seen as more valid. Despite the value of qualit ative methods of data collection, however, many researchers denigrate their use. Qualitative research is often viewed as lacking in scientif ic rigour. This paper explores the use of the focus group as a qualita tive instrument to enhance the validity of existing questionnaires for mental health service users and providers. Between July and August 19 95 four focus groups were conducted in Exeter and Taunton among servic e users (with severe or long-term mental health problems) and provider s (community psychiatric nurses, social workers and occupational thera pists). It is demonstrated that focus groups enhance the validity of e xisting questionnaires by highlighting those concerns held by users an d providers that would otherwise have been neglected.