Summary report per focus group discussion
Preface
This document provides a structure for the summary report written for each held focus group discussion (FGD). The FGD is captured by the
note taker on paper, possibly on a recording device as well. The notes are clearly transcribed and formulated in full sentences soon after the
discussion, to ensure that the note taker’s and facilitators memory can assist in documenting the discussion as accurately as possible.
Subsequently, the captured discussion needs to be systematized to bring out more clearly the main findings. This can be done by the facilitator
and note taker, or by the FGD coordinator, depending on the organizational structure. The summary reports from each FGD will in the end be
the data used for systematization and analysis.
The FGD yielded data will go through several stages of processing; e.g. capturing during discussion, subsequent transcription, summarizing in
report, and finally systematization in relation to all other FGD report. Therefore, it is very important to keep a very clear reference system
during the filing and storing of data. It should be easy to re- identify the original FGD transcription, i.e. from where all the quotes or sentences,
are provided in the final systematized data.
Summary report per focus group discussion
Outline for a focus group discussion summary report
Topics:
FGD
characteristics
Theme or
subtheme
depending
on the level
of
elaboration
in the FGD.
Location:
Target
population:
Age and
Gender:
FGD number1______________
Description of discussion
Current mechanisms of
responding to issues
Solutions
suggested for the
future
Single out and focus on
the main issues and
concerns brought up
under a topic or
subtopic.
Elaborate on each topic based
on the notes from the
discussion; what were the
thought of the group behind
each topic of concern or
importance
How is the community at
the moment responding
to this issue; what are
the capacities and
strategies used?
What did the group
suggest for future
solutions, plans,
wishes for
approaching the
issues?
Topic 1
3
Subthemes/ identified
issues
Quotes, examples, case
stories from the FGD2
Note interesting quotes or
case stories that illustrate
the data for the better
understanding during
analysis and/or for usage in
the reporting.
Topic 2
Etc.
1
It is very important to create a clear reference system for the electronically filed documents with the notes from each FGD. You may very often need to retrace the
source, verify, look at the context of what was said etc.
2
Always remember to note the source of the quote or case story, not in terms of individual identification, but in terms of categorization of source, e.g. gender, age,
particular characteristics or background that may be shaping the perception voiced.
3
Make sure you have enough space to elaborate at length. Arrange the template as you deem best.