The Formative Phase of the Intervention Research Framework: Target Group Input

Abstract

This chapter is the third of four chapters providing detail about the Formative or Development phase of the Intervention Research Framework. This chapter discusses the critical aspect of target group input into intervention development. Methods for obtaining information from the target group are provided, with particular attention to focus group and in-depth interview methodologies including: when to use a particular method; how to use the methodology; developing an interview schedule; obtaining saturation in data; and methods for analysing data to maintain an ‘authentic voice’. This chapter then describes how to utilise findings from the systematic literature review, expert review and target group input into intervention development. Finally this chapter provides a brief overview of the methodology used to incorporate target group input during the development of the SHAHRP research intervention.

 Objectives: By the end of this chapter readers will be able to:

• Identify how researchers can involve primary target groups (young people), secondary target groups (implementers, policy makers, professional organisations) in the Formative phase of Intervention Research

• Describe the benefits of involving primary and secondary target groups in research intervention development

• Understand the process of planning, conducting and analysing focus groups

• Understand the process of planning, conducting and analysing in-depth interviews

• Identify when it is appropriate to use focus groups or in-depth interviews in the Formative phase of Intervention Research

• Describe how to utilise findings from literature review, expert review, target group discussions, and educational expertise into intervention development and design