Preparing to Host a Focus Group

10.16.2019
Christopher Hargrett, Membership Associate

CHIME19 Fall CIO Forum is just around the corner and the in-person focus groups are a major component at this event. 

Focus groups are a great opportunity to receive valuable feedback from the CHIME members, who are the highest-ranking IT executive in a healthcare provider or payer organization. Sessions are intended to be educational and interactive and not a “sales pitch” of products and services. 

Throughout the years, multiple resources have been shared through the CHIME website, webinars and Insight articles that highlight how Foundation partners can prepare to host a focus group session, whether it is online or in-person. Here are a few of those resources mentioned below. 

In addition, here are some valuable tips for leading successful focus groups: 

Have an “internal agenda.” 
A stated goal and objective to attendees at the start of the focus group can help you meet your session’s objectives and help the CIOs guide the discussion, ensuring you are getting what you need from them.  

Understand your audience. 
Don’t get too techy or you might lose your audience. Keep the discussion focused on one topic or a range of topics that are engaging. 

Employ “active listening.” 
Reflect answers back to your participants. Attendees want to know they’re being heard and understood, that their opinions are valued.  

Utilize the group dynamic. 
Create an environment that will encourage discussion between participants. This generates lots of thoughtful ideas. Cyndi Cahill, senior vice president of Atos Digital Health, recently presented a session on Conducting an Engaging Partner Conversation at CPES18. Cahill suggests, “Have your audience interact with each other. You can be the conductor, let them create the music.” 

The fall focus groups will be held Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 4 and 5, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. 

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