Focus Group Method Research Articles

Future of Jordanian traditional media in light of AI: A qualitative study

The research aims to investigate the prospective implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on traditional media, and to elucidate the conceptualization of AI within the discourse of media professionals, governmental and private media stakeholders in Jordan, alongside media scholars and IT experts. Employing the focus group method, a specialized interview tool distinguished by its purpose, design, and procedures, two distinct cohorts were engaged: media practitioners and officials on one hand, and academics and experts on the other. The investigation revealed the absence of a universally agreed upon terminology concerning AI, attributable to its nascent nature and rapid evolution. Notably, AI, leveraging its diverse and highly proficient tools, demonstrates significant potential for transformative impacts across various facets of the media landscape. These encompass the facilitation of exceptional content production, the empowerment of journalists to express their creative capacities, and substantial reductions in time, labor, and procedural overheads in media product development. Concurrently, the integration of AI within media environments is anticipated to pose formidable challenges to existing institutional frameworks. Additionally, the imperative of curriculum development in academic institutions, both public and private, is underscored to acquaint students with AI methodologies.

Professional and personal development of newly-qualified teachers as a factor in sustainable development of the region

Introduction. The article is devoted to the problem of newly-qualified teachers’ professional development. The aim of the study is to identify the difficulties of novice teachers during their adaptation in educational settings of the region and to substantiate the ways to improve the quality of initial teacher education in the system of continuous teacher education. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study consists of contextual biographical and cluster approaches. The contextual biographical approach involves studying teachers’ professional biographies in the system of continuing education, taking into account complex external conditions. The cluster approach defines the principles of interaction between various stakeholders within the regional community in order to ensure the sustainable development of the regional educational system. In order to achieve the research goal, the following methods were used: theoretical (analysis of scholarly literature, comparison, generalization) and empirical (online questionnaire, focus group method, method of independent expert assessments). Results. Based on the analysis of scholarly literature, the authors provide their definition of professional and personal teachers’ development as a basic component of their professional development during the period of initial teacher education and at the initial stage of professional development. The authors argued that the main difficulty of novice teachers during the adaptation period is their interaction with various subjects of the educational process at school - students and their parents. The article substantiates the necessity of creating a regional educational cluster as an effective mechanism for improving the quality of initial teacher education at different stages of continuous teacher education. Conclusions. Based on the authors’ idea about professional and personal development of teachers as a basic component of their professional development in the initial period of their working life, the study reveals the main difficulties of novice teachers during their adaptation in educational settings of the region, overcoming of which requires changes in the system of psychological, teacher and methods education at universities and colleges. As an effective mechanism for improving the quality of teacher education, the authors substantiated the idea of creating a pedagogical scientific and educational cluster in the region, which unites the participants of the territorial educational community interested in providing the regional education system with highly qualified teaching staff.

SDGs-centric approach to strategic planning of community development

The research of the community growth and the formation of strategies for their development in the context of an approach focused on achieving sus­tainable development goals have been conduc­ted. The problems of the sustainable community deve­lopment and their crucial understanding of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all levels of management have been considered. The research is based on the hypothesis that taking into account the features of the Central Development Center approach to the strategic planning of the community development in Ukraine will lead to the improvement of sustainable development indicators at the current stage of the community growth and the sustainable development of Ukraine. Such research methods were used, as: assessment of qualitative, quantitative and social indicators, as well as methods of positional analysis, focus groups, diagnostic interviews, ex­pert assessments, measurement and comparison, system analysis and modeling. The basic concepts and components of sustainable development were analyzed. It has been proposed to define the features of the Central Development Center-cen­tered approach to the strategic planning of com­munity development. The role of intersectoral cooperation between local authorities, business and civil society in the context of achieving the SDGs was considered in detail. The article focuses on the integration of environmental, social and economic aspects into strategic planning, and ex­plores the problems and challenges faced by communities in implementing these approaches. The importance of building the institutional capa­city of communities for the effective imple­men­tation of the SDGs and their adaptation to the changing conditions of the post-war period was sepa­rately emphasized. Recommendations were given for improving the methods of monitoring and evaluating the SDGs achievement at the local level. It is substantiated that only in the presence of a high-quality strategy, joint efforts and mutual understanding of all stakeholders it is possible to achieve the goal of "rebuilding better than it was". It was emphasized that the reconstruction of the country should be carried out by joint efforts, on the basis of transparency, innovation and strategic vision. The leadership role of communities in the Ukrainian post-war reconstruction was defined, the significance of state regional policy and the Road Map adoption of decentralization, as well as the consideration of the need to achieve the sustainable development goals in communities, were revealed. The ranking of the sustainable deve­lop­ment goals for the communities of Vinnytsia was carried out

Promoting social-inclusion: Adapting and refining a school participation and connectedness intervention for neurodiverse children in UK primary schools

BackgroundEducation systems on an international basis have experienced an increase of neurodiverse students in mainstream schools. Such students can experience a deficit in school connectedness which restricts inclusive participation. In My Shoes is an intervention programme developed in Australia to support the inclusion of pupils with autism in primary school settings. This study aimed to adapt this programme for delivery in UK primary schools and widen it to encompass all neurodiverse pupils. MethodsFocus groups of key stakeholders (Pupils, Parents, Teachers and Senior Leaders) explored and shared perspectives on the In My Shoes programme with regard to adapting and refining it for delivery in UK primary schools. Focus group data were analysed using a thematic approach. ResultsFive themes emerged from the data focusing upon materials, curriculum, context, duration, and whole-school approach. Linking the intervention to the PSHE curriculum for delivery was a key finding. ConclusionsAll key stakeholder groups found the programme beneficial to school connectedness and participation. They contributed to adaptations necessary to widen intervention to encompass all neurodiverse children and for deployment in UK primary schools. The biggest endorsement came from the pupil groups that were most enthusiastic about the intervention, who demonstrated an understanding and a relation to the concepts of the programme. Following revisions to the materials and adaptations suggested by stakeholders, a small feasibility study will be conducted with neurodiverse pupils and their typically developing peers across mainstream year 4 and year 5 classrooms (age 8-10 year olds) in the UK.

Household Economy and its Relation to Household Head and Women: A Study Among the Tangkhuls in Kangpokpi District, Manipur

The household economy is the collective sociocultural of managing resources and economic activities within households or families. A household economy is a fundamental unit of analysis in anthropological studies of economic systems, as it provides insights into how people manage their livelihoods within different cultural contexts. The present study attempted to investigate the relationship between household income and the role of household heads and women in income generation in the context of the Tangkhul of Kangpokpi District, Manipur. Using a mixed methods approach, including surveys, interviews and focus group discussions, the study examines the economic practices of households engaged in shifting cultivation and how household heads and women contribute to income generation. The finding reveals the significant contribution of women to household economic activities and the interplay between gender roles and household heads in the Tangkhul community. The Tangkhul is a patriarchal society, although women enjoy substantial freedom and play an important role in family and community life. The study highlights the need for a more detailed understanding of economic practices and the role of gender in shaping household income in rural communities. The insight gained from this research can inform policies and interventions aimed at livelihood and reducing poverty in rural areas.

“I’m committed, not addicted.”: College students’ identity and communication about vaping

Objective Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, and trends in social vaping behaviors are developing. The current study describes and explains how communication surrounding vaping shapes different aspects of a college student’s identity. Participants Twenty-seven male and female college students at a large Midwestern university were recruited to participate in five focus groups. Methods Focus group findings were interpreted through the lens of the communication theory of identity. Results College students’ communication of identity was manifest in the personalization of vaping devices, selling vaping devices as a relational activity, the social aspects of vaping addiction, the facetious language surrounding vaping, and perceptions of vaping tricks as “cringe.” Conclusions The findings revealed narrow perceptions of acceptable identities for users of vaping devices. Participants avoided labels of “being addicted” and leveraged discursive strategies such as humor, facetious language, othering, and re-framing behavior to fit a desirable identity.

Skip The Dip For Urinary Tract Infection in over 65s. A National Initiative To Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing In Older Persons

Abstract Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common reason for antibiotic use in older persons in residential care. Dipstick urinalysis for UTI is an ingrained practice. Inappropriate use of dipstick urinalysis can lead to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, contributing to adverse effects and antimicrobial resistance. The ‘Skip the Dip for UTI in over 65s’ quality improvement initiative (QI) aims to raise awareness of best practice for diagnosis and management of suspected UTI to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. It supports implementation of national guidance stating dipstick urinalysis is not recommended for assessment of evidence of UTI in people 65 years and over. Methods Focus groups with nursing staff in older persons residential care facilities (OPRCFs) identified barriers and facilitators for implementing national guidance on dipstick urinalysis for UTI. Supporting resources developed included a resident leaflet on UTI, staff handbook and webinar recording, hosted on www.antibioticprescribing.ie. Antimicrobial pharmacists delivered workshops on improving assessment of suspected UTI in the HSE OPRCFs from September 2023 to March 2024. Monthly monitoring of antibiotic use for UTI was established in all 119 HSE OPRCFs. Surveys to establish dipstick urinalysis practice in the OPRCFs were administered in March 2023 and March 2024. Results A baseline survey in 2020/21 indicated 98% HSE OPRCFs (133/135) performed dipstick urinalysis for residents with symptoms of UTI, reducing to 53% (57/107) in March 2023, and 24% (25/103) in March 2024 following this QI. Prevalence of antibiotics for treatment of UTI in the HSE OPRCFs decreased by 38%, from a baseline of 2.6% (114/4,446 residents) in 2020/21, to 1.6% (66/4,222 residents) in March 2024. Conclusion The ‘Skip the Dip for UTI in over 65s’ QI has resulted in a change in practice, with the majority of HSE OPRCFs now reporting dipstick urinalysis is not performed for UTI assessment, with a considerable reduction in antibiotics prescribed for UTIs.

Exploring the Perceptions of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, Working in the Acute Hospital Setting, of Communication of Older Adults' Rehabilitation

Abstract Background As the ageing population continue to rise with this comes an increase in `geriatric syndromes' such as gait, balance or cognitive issues as well as the implications of frailty. Hospitalisation amongst older adults can often see risks such as deconditioning, delirium and losing independence. The role of rehabilitation for older adults becomes key to restoring one’s ability to live independently but can often be impacted by medical or cognitive status, communication and resources within the acute hospital setting. Issues such as uncertainty around goals or abilities as well as lack of resources can mean terms such as `rehabilitation potential' can impact on communication of rehabilitation. Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists frequently communicate with patients, their families and carers as well as the wider multidisciplinary team about older adults’ rehabilitation. Methods Focus groups were conducted among physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who worked in acute hospital settings in Ireland, to explore their perceptions of communication of older adults' rehabilitation. Results Nineteen therapists were recruited across five focus groups, which identified a number of themes around communication of older adults’ rehabilitation. Participants reported on communication strategies such as building rapport and using meaningful goals with older adults' rehabilitation. Participants discussed the rehabilitative journey through the acute setting and the impact of 'rehabilitation potential', resources as well as cognitive and medical status on communication of rehabilitation. Further training on communication were highlighted by participants as an area for future development. Conclusion Communication plays a key role in older adults' rehabilitation and can often be complicated by resources, time and pressures of the acute hospital setting. Multidisciplinary training could play a role in addressing how communication can enhance older adults' rehabilitation.

Clinical supervision, a reflective intervention to support new graduate nurses and midwives enhance their person-centredness: qualitative evaluation

Person-centred care is an international healthcare priority. Strategies are needed to support nurses and midwives to understand the meaning of person-centredness and support them to embed this philosophy into practice. Clinical supervision has been proposed as a strategy to support this but requires more evidence. The aim of this research was to evaluate a newly developed model of clinical supervision, underpinned by person-centred practice theory, to enhance the person-centred practices of new graduate nurses and midwives. Design: Qualitative study (embedded within a mixed methods study) using focus groups Methods: Group, online clinical supervision (named C.A.R.E.) underpinned by the Person-centred Practice Framework was provided to 103 new graduate nurses and midwives once per month for one hour, over six months. The researchers used [Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis; A practical guide. SAGE]. Thematic Analysis to analyse data. Results: Twenty one participated in the qualitative evaluation. Four themes were identified (1) Person-centredness in Action (person-centredness experienced and delivered by the new graduates) (2) Enhancing the Transitioning Toolkit (professional and personal growth as an outcome of reflection and learning together) (3) The Transitioning Environment (care environment and C.A.R.E. environment) and (4) Challenges to C.A.R.E. (team and organisation, and personal). Conclusion: This supportive safe space allowed new graduates to explore their and other’s practices, in relation to person-centred practice theory. Through sharing their experiences, they increased their knowledge and confidence to incorporate new learning into their own practice. This clinical supervision model underpinned by the Person-centred Practice Framework provides person-centred benefits to the new graduates, patients and families. However, without organisational support the benefits will not be realised.

The methodology of health education programs in schools—Qualitative study

ObjectiveTo assess strengths and weaknesses of the methodology of health education programs, carried out in the period 2010–2020, in schools in Serbia. DesignQualitative study, a thematic analysis approach. SiteRepresentatives of Public Health institutions, Serbian biggest nongovernmental organization, Youth organization, Ministry of education and municipality. ParticipantsNine professionals working in the field of Public Health and Health education. MethodFocus group gathered nine health and non-health professionals in 2022 year. Focus group was recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed by three research team members. A coding template evolved through the analysis, providing the expansion of key concepts. Themes were, one by one, extracted, encoded, classified as the smallest units and interpretive, thematic analysis was applied. ResultsAlthough the Focus group in our study identified among other advantages, support of Health sector to Educational sector as crucial, it emphasized as well following weaknesses: Analyzed health education programs were implemented insufficiently as a separate process in schools, did not have the image of programs shared and integrated into community; Health education needs of schoolchildren, parents, and teachers should be examined prior the education implementation; Well-educated interdisciplinary educators have to be strengthened and supported; Parents participation is necessity; Standards and good practice guidelines are needed, and those developed through Health Promoting Schools program could be practiced. ConclusionIt is necessary to support cross-curricular competence, where health education should be integrated into all school subjects, and should go far beyond the school, grow into a culture of community life, which will interconnect all stakeholders in strong Public Health network.

Exploring a Synchronous Hybrid Observation Approach for Supporting Student Teachers during School Placements

This article presents findings from an international study examining a synchronous hybrid approach for observing and supporting student teachers on their school placement. This novel approach emerged from previous studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and involves university tutors synchronously supervising student teachers from two locations: one tutor face-to-face in a school-based classroom and another virtually, from a remote setting such as a university campus. The qualitative case study adopts a focus group method to explore the views of participating school placement tutors from universities in Ireland and Australia about the benefits and challenges of this approach. Findings suggest that this new approach enhances supervisors’ observation and feedback practices and enables enriched collaboration and professional dialogue between student teachers and their tutors. Future research directions are also shared to advance the field.

Challenges and Solutions of Using Technology at Undergraduate Level in a Northern Border Area Government College in Bangladesh

This study seeks to detect the problems and solutions of using technology at Kurigram Government College at the undergraduate level, located in the northern border area of Bangladesh. The study presents the existing scenario of using technology in Kurigram Government College at the undergraduate level since the practice of technology in the class is not standard. Semi-structured interviews and focus group methods have been applied, following the qualitative method. The principal and four teachers were selected for semi-structured interviews from three faculties, namely science, arts and social science, and business studies. Simultaneously, 40 students (20 males and 20 female) participated in the focus group discussion at the undergraduate level. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants. After collecting the qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the data was analyzed. Lack of training in preparing PowerPoint slides, dependency on following the traditional lecture method, the senior teacher's unwillingness to receive the training on technology, and limitations such as load shedding, low speed of the internet, inadequate internet facilities, and the absence of a biometric system are the main causes of not using technology in the class at the undergraduate level. Based on the problems, the study provides some recommendations. Proper training on technology for the teachers should be mandatory. Moreover, the use of email, video, mobile, image multimedia projectors, Facebook, and browsers can strengthen the quality of class. Through the use of these devices and mediums, the transmission of ideas and documents can easily be accessed.

The potential integration of Simodont® Dental Trainer in different stages of the dental curriculum

BackgroundThe lack of standardised studies remains an obstacle to developing a consistent approach to integrating virtual dental simulation (VDS) into dental education. The aim of this study was to develop consensus among experienced educators and dental practitioners on the optimal integration of VDS at various stages of dental curricula. The goal was to propose clear yet flexible recommendations that could be implemented by most educational institutions. MethodsFocus groups were established, consisting of experienced academic educators involved in VDS, experienced academic staff who had not previously been involved in VDS, and experienced dental practitioners. These groups exchanged ideas about the best ways to integrate VDS into dental curricula. The Simodont® Dental Trainer system was used to design a curriculum for VDS. ResultsThe expert group agreed that VDS for manual dexterity exercises should be introduced in the first year of dental curricula. This should be followed by cariology exercises in the second year and crown preparation exercises in the third year, alongside traditional manikin-based simulation exercises. Additionally, VDS was recommended for senior students on an ad hoc basis for academic recovery purposes. However, VDS endodontic exercises were excluded from the proposed integrative dental curriculum. Other ways of utilising VDS were identified, such as student recruitment activities and intensive refreshment programs at the start of each academic year. ConclusionsThis study proposes a flexible approach to including VDS in dental curricula. This proposed approach can be customised to meet the specific needs of each educational institution, providing a tailored learning experience for students.

Guidelines to Promote Youth Basketball for Basketball Club in Guangdong Province, the People’s Republic of China

Background and Aim: The normal operation of children's amateur basketball clubs is not only affected by external risks such as policy and economic epidemics but also influenced by the club operators' strategic consciousness, players, coaches, basketball teaching, and other aspects. The number of coaches within the club is not enough and without professional coaches and places for non-standard training, there is no cooperation from parents. These factors all affect the ability to play basketball of Chinese youth. The purpose of this study was to construct the guidelines to promote youth basketball for basketball clubs in Guangdong. Materials and Methods: This research was the mixed method. Using an expert interview form, 5 experts were interviewed to find ways to create a guideline to promote youth basketball for basketball clubs in Guangdong. Questionnaires were used for 63 basketball clubs. Criteria for selecting basketball clubs are: It is the city's top three basketball clubs. which has a total of 100 youth basketball players or more. It will use 189 questionnaires for 1 club leader and 2 basketball club coaches in each club. 9 experts for the Focus group method and connoisseurship method used 7 experts to confirm the guidelines to promote youth basketball for basketball clubs in Guangdong, all of the experts using purposive sampling. Results: The research results found that: The guidelines to promote youth basketball for basketball clubs in Guangdong consist of 4 areas: 1) The policy setting and planning to promote youth basketball for basketball club area consists of 15 guidelines; 2) The creating an atmosphere and environment in the basketball club area consists of 13 guidelines; 3) The providing club members with the ability to promote youth basketball area consists of 15 guidelines; 4) The budget support for promoting youth basketball in the clubs of club members area consists of 12 guidelines. Conclusion: The guidelines for promoting basketball clubs for youth basketball players in Guangdong Province are clear. Can be used and it is not contrary to government policy, but it must focus on providing club members with the ability to promote youth basketball area. Including presenting strategies, and alternative plans, and making recommendations for clear monitoring and evaluation. It can be applied to other sports, but it should start with a small organization first.

ПЕДАГОГИЧЕСКИЕ УСЛОВИЯ И МОТИВЫ ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ СТУДЕНТОВ

The article raises the problem of low interest of students in scientific work. The question of the influence of motivation levels of engineering students on their interest in research activities is considered. Attention is paid to the potential of junior courses' block of natural science disciplines as the first step in a series of measures to attract students to research. An anonymous survey of three-year students of a technical university was conducted to identify their motivations for vocational training. An analysis of the results of assessment of students of different courses by levels of manifestation of motives is presented, with elements of author's scaling of empirical data. In order to obtain and analyse qualitative data, the results of the focus group method are presented. The pedagogical principles of early development of research activity are defined: systematicity, interdisciplinarity, variability. A significant time and organisational resource for conducting optional research activities was identified. They are the hours in the working programmes of general education disciplines, allocated for independent work of students. Organisational and pedagogical conditions and approaches for early involvement of students in research activities are proposed. It is noted that the proposed measures have been successfully implemented in Tver State Technical University. The obtained results do not contradict similar studies of other authors.

Bullying as a social phenomenon in the youth environment

The article examines the problems of such a social phenomenon as bullying among youth. The issue of relationships in a group, especially during the period of maturing and active development of personality, is very relevant. These relationships are not always constructive and aimed at cooperation: there are often situations of aggression that accompany the communication process in the group. One type of such aggressive behaviour is bullying, the manifestations of which are studied in this work. The authors have conducted a research using a quantitative method (questionnaire survey in 82 constituent entities of the Russian Federation) and qualitative methods (focus groups and project sessions). The most common forms of bullying have been identified. The authors have determined the subjects that, according to the respondents, should provide assistance to victims of bullying and the provocateurs of bullying (among whom are not only aggressors, but also victims). At the same time, as the research results show, new questions have arisen regarding the issue of the phenomenon, both terminological (what does modern youth understand by bullying) and socio-psychological (what are the similarities and differences between the aggressor, provocateur, victim), which will be solved at the next research stages.

Senior Schoolchildren’s Mentorship: the Case of St. Joseph’s School

The article discusses the topic of mentoring within the education system as well as analyzes the experience of the project “Schoolchildren for Schoolchildren” carried out at St. Joseph’s school as part of the project “Optimization of the network of higher schools and improvement of the quality of studies by connecting Šiauliai University to Vilnius University“.A mentorship model was developed and implemented in the school, followed by senior schoolchildren assisting primary school pupils with learning difficulties. Mentoring activities were evaluated by the research consisting of a questionnaire, a focus group method, as well as notes recording experiences. Mentors, parents and teachers of primary school pupils participated in the research.During the project, the mentors tried themselves in a new activity, developing competences of dutifulness, responsibility, teaching others, communication and collaboration. Despite the difficulties arisen and motivation decrease during the process, this activity instilled them with satisfaction and positive emotions, as they felt having spent their time meaningfully, developing the teaching and communication skills of juniors, as well as strengthening and fostering relationships with peer mentors. The research found that primary school pupils benefited from homework help from mentors - some of them improved learning motivation, skills and performance, as well as communication skills.The project demonstrated that the mentoring model is also a way to develop schoolchildren’s leadership, strengthen the relationships inside the school community; apart from that, it contributes to the creation of a culture of solidarity and social capital based on generosity and unconditionality. The model utilized at this school can be further developed and adopted elsewhere, taking into account the proposals of the research participants to publicize the project more, include it in the mentorship program and leisure activities, thus creating conditions for the development of children’s creative leisure time and mutual friendship.

Возможности метода фокус-групп в процессе подготовки специалистов в сфере социальной работы

The main advantages and disadvantages of the focus group method as a qualitative method of em-pirical research are revealed. The main directions of application of the focus group method are de-fined - the effectiveness of general and private social work technologies, changes in the main char-acteristics of objects and subjects of social work, the development of new forms, technologies, di-rections of social work, the implementation of social work in the non–commercial sector. It is con-cluded that the focus group method is actively used in such areas of social work as education, healthcare, and social protection, and the ability to apply it in practice reflects a high level of train-ing of specialists and a deep understanding of the interdisciplinary connections between sociology and social work.

Caring for those who care: key challenges and improvement opportunities for health professionals working with children with disabilities

This paper investigates the challenges faced by health professionals working with children with disabilities, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement. Employing a focus group method, the study involved knowledge levelling, discussions, problematization, cause formulation, and validation. A diverse team of ten professionals participated, including physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nursing technicians, and social workers. Findings reveal organisational inflexibility in appointment scheduling, lack of deadlines affecting case monitoring, and the mental strain of immediate clinical responses. Effective communication and multidisciplinary care emerge as beneficial. Proposed improvements include flexible space utilisation, enhanced room design, structured collaboration training, role clarification, parent partnerships, flexible scheduling, and continuous professional development. This study unveils unique challenges and rewards in the healthcare environment, offering insights into causative factors and practical strategies for enhancing the work of health professionals working with children with disabilities.

The effects of free prescriptions on community pharmacy selection: A discrete choice experiment

BackgroundLittle is known about preferences for community pharmacies, particularly the influence of prescription co-payments, and for New Zealand's priority populations, Māori and Pacific Peoples. Improving understanding of community pharmacy preferences will enable tailoring services to meet community needs. ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate New Zealanders’ preferences for community pharmacies when collecting prescriptions. Additionally, variations in preferences for community pharmacy attributes between different latent and demographic groups were examined. MethodsFocus group discussions with various community groups were thematically analyzed to develop six attributes: location, wait time, customer service, prescription co-payments, parking availability, and nearby businesses. Participants were asked to complete an online survey involving 12 choice tasks, where they had to choose their preferred option of 3 unlabeled pharmacies along with demographic questions. A mixed multinomial logit model and latent classes analysis were used to assess and compare the participant preferences. ResultsThe sample of 553 participants, representative of the New Zealand population, resulted in 19,908 observations for analysis. The most attractive pharmacy attribute was its proximity, being within a 10-min travel distance from home or work. The importance of prescription co-payments is evident, with free prescriptions being the second most attractive attribute level and $15 NZD prescription co-payments being the least appealing. Different classes placed importance on different attributes, the largest of which prioritized prescription co-payments. Including demographic characteristics did not improve model accuracy nor predict class membership. ConclusionsUnder current policy, the most effective way for pharmacies to attract business is by offering free prescriptions. However, the trend of adopting lower-cost models may reduce the quality of care they deliver. Policy decision-makers must decide if they are comfortable with this potential impact.