Introduction

Focus group research produces a large amount of information and it is often difficult to determine what should be reported, how to structure the information and how to utilise data extracts most effectively when reporting the research findings. As with all research reports, the structure and content of the report will be determined by the purpose of the study, the audience(s) and the key messages to be conveyed. Reporting the findings of focus group research involves identifying the core findings from the data and developing a narrative to communicate these findings to the target audience(s). The challenge is to develop a narrative that both integrates the central findings and provides sufficient depth and context to the issues reported. Qualitative researchers often focus on identifying the context surrounding the research issues, but then neglect to adequately report contextual issues in the study report. One of the traditions of reporting qualitative research is to use data extracts when reporting the study findings, by including quotations from participants. However, there is little guidance on the effective use of data extracts or on how to report study findings without the use of data extracts. This chapter discusses the fundamental issues in reporting focus group research, highlighting how to focus the research findings, effectively integrate data extracts and convey context in the report. In addition, the chapter discusses reporting the findings of focus group discussions in mixed-method research.