The Focus Group: A Strategic Tool for Guiding Service Delivery and Enhancing Partnerships

Disability Services

2012 AHEAD Conference

Disability Services

2012 AHEAD Conference

The Focus Group: A Strategic Tool for Guiding Service Delivery and Enhancing

Partnerships

Susan A. Aase, J.D., M.S.Ed.Barbara Blacklock, M.A., L.I.S.W.

July 12, 2012

Learner OutcomesParticipants will learn about how to prepare and conduct focus groups.

Participants will learn how to use and evaluate the information obtained from the focus group process to guide effective service delivery and partnerships.

Participants will be better able to identify the benefits and challenges of using focus groups.

Focus Groups Provide:

• Feedback and comment• Means to evaluate and test ideas

Focus Group Uses:

• Planning• Marketing• Evaluation

Your Experience with Focus Groups

U of MN Experience with Focus Groups

• Needs Assessment Project• Marcus Foundation Faculty Education

Grant

Focus Group Process

Action Steps

Action Steps

Planning and Preparation

• Purpose – Objectives – Timeline• Participants• Script/Questions/Agenda• Facilitators• Additional Considerations

Conducting and Facilitating

• Welcoming and confidential environment

• Pace and timing• Participation• Materials

Evaluating and Reporting

• Debriefing• Session Summary• Analysis• Written Report

Action Steps

• Identify• Prioritize• Disseminate

Benefits of Using Focus Groups

• Direct

• Indirect

www.mentalhealth.umn.edu

Evaluation

Thank you for your participation!

Please complete the evaluation.

Thank You!Susan A. Aase, J.D., M.S.Ed.Associate to the Director and Outreach CoordinatorUniversity of MinnesotaDisability ServicesE-mail: aase0020@umn.eduWeb: http://ds.umn.edu

Barbara Blacklock, M.A., LISWProgram CoordinatorUniversity of MinnesotaDisability ServicesE-mail: black005@umn.eduWeb: http://ds.umn.edu