Análise da técnica de grupo focal on-line na elaboração do modelo lógico do programa saúde na escola

Abstract

The focus group (FG) is a data collection technique that encourages critical thinking based on interaction, widely used in qualitative research. The on-line format of the FG became a reality with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic to continue research. This technique was used in the construction of the national Logical Model (LM) of the Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE), which is a Program of the Ministries of Health and Education developed in schools and territories of Primary Health Care in Brazilian cities. The objective of the research was to analyze the use of the FG technique in on-line format in the preparation of the LM of the PSE. This is a qualitative study, carried out with a professional responsible for the PSE in the Brazilian states drawn from the criteria: one for regions with up to five states and two for regions with more than five states, totaling 7 states. The meetings were scheduled with the PSE state representatives, who received prior information about the objective, the dynamics, the products to be built and the link to access a virtual Google Meet platform. Eight meetings were held, ranging from 4 to 15 participants, totaling 62 people. The FG technique in the on-line format has good adherence and is adequate for the preparation of the LM of the PSE, with no differences in accuracy being detected between the methodology referring to face-to-face FGs. The mandatory procedure is the debate and the capture of mandatory preparation of the ML. Positive aspects are the simultaneous participation of people in different geographically distant locations, the saving of time and budget, in view of not having to travel. On the other hand, the easy dispersion and internet connection failures appeared as points that must be met so that the difficulty in the FG interaction is reduced, ensuring the optimization of time and the participation of those present. The on-line FG is recommended for the development of similar research.