Combining visual methods with focus groups: An innovative approach for capturing the multifaceted and complex work experiences of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention specialists

  • Jenelle M. Job University of Alberta
  • Cheryl-Anne Poth University of Alberta
  • Jacqueline Pei University of Alberta
  • Katherine Wyper University of Alberta
  • O'Riordan Teresa Northwest Central Alberta FASD Services Network
  • Lin Taylor Heart Sights Consulting
Keywords: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, multi-methods, focus groups, quilting, prevention

Abstract

Job, J., Poth, C., Pei, J., Wyper, K., Teresa, O., & Taylor, L. (2014). Combining visual methods with focus groups: An innovative approach for capturing the multifaceted and complex work experiences of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention specialists. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 3(1), 71-80. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v3i1.129

Aims: This paper discusses the untapped potential of an innovative methodological approach for capturing the experiences of prevention specialists working with women at risk of drug and/or alcohol-exposed pregnancies and live births. Allowing frontline workers to express their personal and professional experiences through a creative activity enhanced our understanding of the difficult-to-measure programming outcomes of a provincial Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) strategy.

Design: A multi-method design integrating focus groups with a quilting activity.

Setting: Annual General Meeting of the Parent and Child Assistance Program (PCAP)—a prevention program for women at risk for drug and/or alcohol-exposed pregnancies and live births.

Participants: Forty-seven FASD prevention specialists from across Alberta, Canada.

Measurements: Triangulation across data sources: seven focus groups and 49 quilting pieces.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed four themes: change as a process, client-advocate connection, ecological understanding, and evidence-based practice. The findings from this study contribute improved understanding about the significance of relationships, reflection, and research in the work of FASD prevention specialists.

Conclusions: A multi-methods approach (focus groups with a quilting activity) provided an appropriate and trustworthy means of accessing the prevention specialists’ programmatic experience; that experience has the strong potential for informing future FASD policy, strategic planning, and programming.

Author Biographies

Jenelle M. Job, University of Alberta

PhD Candidate

Psychological Studies in Education

Department of Educational Psychology

 

Cheryl-Anne Poth, University of Alberta

Assistant Professor

Centre for Research in Applied Measurement and Evaluation

Department of Educational Psychology

Jacqueline Pei, University of Alberta

Assistant Professor

Psychological Studies in Education

Department of Educational Psychology

Katherine Wyper, University of Alberta

PhD Student

Psychological Studies in Education

Department of Educational Psychology

O'Riordan Teresa, Northwest Central Alberta FASD Services Network
Executive Director
Lin Taylor, Heart Sights Consulting
Registered Psychologist
Published
2014-03-19
How to Cite
Job, J. M., Poth, C.-A., Pei, J., Wyper, K., Teresa, O., & Taylor, L. (2014). Combining visual methods with focus groups: An innovative approach for capturing the multifaceted and complex work experiences of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention specialists. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 3(1), 71-80. https://doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v3i1.129
Section
Papers