A review on effectiveness of focus group discussion in tool development in ayurvedic researches

There are a variety of methods of data collection in qualitative research, including observations, textual or visual analysis and interviews (individual or group). Most common methods used, particularly in qualitative healthcare research, are interviews and focus groups. All these data collecting techniques are widely used in Ayurvedic researches. But focus group discussion technique is seldom opted for data collecting purposes.

Focus groups are used for generating information on collective views, and to gather meanings behind those views in depth. They are also useful in generating a rich understanding of participants' experiences and beliefs. In this paper the effectiveness of focus group discussion is reviewed on the basis of the focus group discussion conducted while doing the study Development of an instrument for screening mental health based on Ayurvedic concept. Article focuses on the steps to be adopted to conduct focus group discussion. The composition of a focus group needs great care to get the best quality of discussion. The group setting, management, and consolidation of data from focus group discussions are drawn and discussed.