Using focus groups to seek the views of patients dying from cancer about the care they receive

Purpose

The prime purpose of the study was to investigate whether focus groups were a practical way of seeking the views of dying people and whether the information collected added to that collected by more established methods.

Design

A sample frame of Macmillan nurse patients was collated from which three cluster samples were randomly selected to participate in focus groups. The focus groups were structured with an experienced facilitator and recorder to answer three key questions.

Setting and participants

Patients of Macmillan nurses in three NHS Trusts in West Yorkshire who were living at home with incurable cancer. They were aware of their condition and were willing to participate.

Main variables studied

The three key questions were; what kind of help are you currently receiving? What sort of help do you want? Of the kind of help you are receiving what kind is most important to you?

Results

17 patients participated in three focus groups. Participants were generally fairly able and living with spouses or relatives. They were of varying age with different types and duration of cancer. They were receiving a range of health and social services of varying importance to them. More help was particularly wanted with support for daily living, support from specialist cancer nurses, help getting out and with housework. Macmillan nurses and general practice services were highly rated in some but not all three trust areas.

Conclusions

We propose that focus groups are a practical way of collecting information about dying patients that can complement other sources of information in planning and auditing the provision of care.