Focus Group: Experience of a Brazilian implementation study on a low resource setting

Abstract

Abstract Background Developing strategies for health promotion is essential, mainly in remote areas. The Telehealth Network of Minas Gerais, Brazil, developed an implementation study to improve management of patients with hypertension and diabetes - Control of Hypertension and Diabetes in Minas Gerais (CHARMING) Project. Assessing needs and barriers or enablers perceived by local health professionals is of utmost importance to enhance the implementation strategy. Aim To evaluate the perception of health professionals about current health strategies for patients with chronic diseases in primary care settings. Methods Qualitative study: 3 focal groups were conducted, with 18 healthcare professionals from 8 cities from the CHARMING Project, divided according to professional categories: local coordinators, nurses and doctors. Each group, conducted by 2 mediators and observers, lasted 90 minutes. There was a script to guide discussion concerning continued education, and educational and physical activity patient groups. Results Overall, healthcare professionals reported patients have low adherence to health education and physical activity groups. Living in rural and remote areas was perceived as the main barrier. Organizing groups in rural areas and acquiring proper gymnastique items could engage the population. Also, education materials should be adequate for a low-literate population, with interactive tools. Quarrels within the health teams and lack of medications were seen as limitations for properly managing chronic diseases. Concerning professional qualification, nurses reported to prefer short web lectures, physicians preferred studying online books and pre-appraised summaries, while local coordinators preferred presencial lectures. Conclusions Local health professionals were participative and willing to share their experiences within focal groups. They pointed out limitations and made suggestions that were not previously noticed and that will improve our health strategy. Key messages Listening to local health professionals is essential for developing more effective health strategies, mainly on low resource settings. Focal Groups are an effective qualitative method of research and should be implemented.