Sampling for qualitative research using quantitative methods. 2. Characteristics of GPs who agree to video-taping of consultations.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Studies using video-recordings of GPs' consultations have been important in investigating GPs' clinical behaviour. Unfortunately, the characteristics of participating GPs are rarely described, making it difficult to assess how representative they are or how generalizable the studies' results can be. This paper documents the recruitment of 53 GPs to a research project which involved video-recording their consultations to determine how GPs approach the topic of smoking cessation with patients. METHODS: The Attitudes to Smoking Advice Questionnaire was used to select GPs with diverse attitudes towards discussing smoking with patients. RESULTS: Out of 123 GPs who were eligible to take part, 53 (43.1%) agreed. GPs who agreed to become research subjects were younger, more likely to work in teaching or training practices and more likely to be current members of the RCGP. CONCLUSIONS: When planning studies which utilize video-recordings of GPs' consultations, researchers should give consideration to how this apparent self-selection by participating GPs could influence research results.