In other words, planning implies action, implementation, and carry-through. Like a community assessment instrument, focus groups gather information and can be part of a proactive process. However, they can be used in a retroactive manner too, to gain more specific consumer impressions regarding issues that emerge from a community assessment. In this way, a focus group can add depth and clarity not present in a survey. A focus group is a small group of individuals, selected to participate in a discussion in which specific questions have been developed.
Focus groups can be an effective tool in an overall planning process.
As part of the former, it can be used to attain perspective and insight from the general public, to generate interest and support for proposed actions, and to locate volunteers. As part of a community education process, forums can be used to share information, to explain actions, and to clarify misinformation. A forum can be a two-way street where information and perspective from the public is shared with local health decision makers and where information and perspective held by the hospital can be disseminated to the public. As part of your planning and decision making process, the board, community members, and key constituencies can benefit from the infusion of ideas. Continuing adult education on health system subjects is important for the continued development of local leaders and an informed public.