Patients’ perceptions of quality in a Northern Ireland hospital trust: a focus group study

Explores the value of focus group methodology in a patient satisfaction initiative intended to identify quality improvement targets in a large general hospital. Analyses the transcripts from ten focus groups selected from hospital discharge lists, using simple cut-and-paste techniques. Finds that the focus group methodology was successful in amplifying feedback previously gleaned from surveys. Highlights patients' tolerance of shortcomings and their appreciation of staff providing high quality care while under pressure. Concludes that patients regard the National Health Service as deteriorating generally.