Interviews and Focus Groups

Understanding the patient's perspective

A medical interview provides information that is not available from any other source, including the internet
and social media. It reveals what the patient says about their illness and how it is said. The process by which
the interview is conducted is critical to obtain content that is accurate and unbiased. Careful observation is
also vital to attain an understanding of attitudes and problems that are, consciously and unconsciously, not communicated verbally. Interviewers at Health Outcomes Group are experienced in talking with patients with sensitivity and empathy. We can conduct interviews and focus groups with patients, and individuals suffering from health problems, but not being treated, in more that 80 languages.

Exploratory Discussion Groups

We are experienced in conducting traditional focus groups with 6-12 people in which the group dynamics for certain problems can provide insights where one-on-one interviews may have limitations due to social stigmas and cultural pressures. We are also able to conduct Exploratory Discussion Groups with physicians, policy makers and influential individuals about their reactions and receptiveness to new, innovative proposals. These methods are especially useful in testing new concepts.

Keys to a good interview are: Personal Interviews

1. Understanding and respecting your audience

2. Attentive listening

3. Systematic data collection

4. Analytical skills to summarize responses

5. Summaries that are supported by the data

Health Outcomes Group

Establishing Value by Measuring Outcomes

Interviews and Focus Groups