Focus groups used to explore patients' experience in a randomised controlled trial of traditional Chinese acupuncture for chronic stress

IntroductionIn order to investigate the effect of traditional Chinese acupuncture treatment for perceived chronic stress, a pragmatic randomised controlled pilot study was carried out. Participants were randomised into three study groups: traditional Chinese acupuncture, attention only and control. Given that this was a small pilot study quantitative data may not be enough to demonstrate significance or explain differences given the study's small sample size. Focus groups were carried out to explore and highlight the differences and similarities between individuals' experiences.MethodsParticipants were asked about their experience of two study interventions (traditional Chinese acupuncture or attention). Two facilitated focus groups were tape recorded and transcripts analysed using thematic content techniques.ResultsThe focus groups generated useful information on participants' experience and responses during and after their intervention. This approach helped to define the boundaries of specific and non-specific effects of treatment and allowed the opportunity to explore the effects of the treatment on specific symptoms as well as participants' experiences of having treatment.ConclusionsA qualitative method combined with quantitative data of an RCT provided useful information on participants' opinions, which could help to improve practice and future research trial design as well as contributing to the evidence base.