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CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY

Summary

Introduction

2.1 The external review of PATH was undertaken between September 2007 and January 2008. A Review Steering Group was established at the start of the process and comprised the following members:

2.2 Three main methods, which are outlined in the paragraphs below, were used to meet the study objectives:

• 'Desk-top' analysis of key documentation (internal and external);
• Semi-structured interviews (face-to-face and by telephone) with key stakeholders;
• Focus group/workshop (with members of Review Steering Group and other key stakeholders) to consider future directions.

2.3 In addition, the Review Steering Group met twice during the review (in October and November). The Interim Report was submitted for the November meeting. The review findings were presented to an invited audience in mid-December, when the findings of the ASH Scotland review were also presented. All of the stakeholders invited to contribute to the two reviews were invited to attend this Seminar, which also provided discussion opportunities.

'Desk-top' Analysis of Key Documentation

2.4 A range of documentation relating to PATH has been examined (see Annex C). Documents have been grouped under the following headings:

• National Policy;
• PATH and ASH Scotland - Generic;
• PATH - Training and Development;
• PATH - Minimum Dataset and National Database;
• PATH - Supported Projects;
• ASH Scotland - Tobacco & Inequalities Projects;
• ASH Scotland - Other Projects;
• Miscellaneous.

Semi-Structured Interviews with Key Stakeholders

2.5 Much of the data used to inform the review was collected via semi-structured interviews with a variety of stakeholders. The majority of these interviews were undertaken by telephone, although some were conducted face-to-face during a two-day visit to PATH/ ASH Scotland. Those being interviewed were sent a copy of the Topic Guide before their interview. This document (see Annex D) outlined the areas to be discussed during the interview. This approach gave interviewees the opportunity to think about their responses and collect any relevant supporting information before their interview.

2.6 All interviews were taped. These recordings were then used by the researchers as an aide mémoire and a source of quotations. All tapes will be deleted or destroyed six months after completion of the review.

2.7 At the outset of the project a list of potential interviewees was agreed with the Review Steering Group. This list included:

• Members of the PATH Review Steering Group;
• Members of the PATH Advisory Group (includes representatives from the STCA);
• A representative from each of the 14 Scottish Health Boards (from Smoking Cessation services, Public Health or Health Promotion);
• Representatives from Glasgow Caledonian University and PATH who are involved in delivering the accredited courses; ⁹
• Representatives from ISD Scotland and PATH working on the Minimum Dataset and the national database;
• A representative from the external evaluators of the PATH-supported pilot projects;
• A representative from each of the PATH-supported pilot projects to discuss recent progress and achievements since the completion of the external evaluation;
• Representatives with an interest in smoking cessation from each of the key inequalities groups (i.e. older adults; ethnic minority groups; people with mental health problems; people with disabilities) and representatives from those working with young people;
• Representatives from any other key Alliances not included in the PATH Advisory Group;
• Other relevant personnel from PATH/ ASH Scotland (e.g. Chief Executive; Finance Officer).

2.8 It should be noted that these categories are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, many stakeholders had direct experience of more than one area of PATH's work. All of the identified personnel were invited (via email, with telephone follow-up if necessary) to contribute to the review. Almost everyone agreed to participate, although in a few instances the relevant post was vacant or had ceased to exist (e.g. within some of the service-based supported projects). A list of the 48 interviewees is provided in Annex E.

Focus group/workshop to consider recommendation for future directions

2.9 After completion of the Interim Report, a Focus Group/Workshop was held to:

• Explore exit strategies;
• Consider the scope for integration of key aspects within ASH Scotland or other appropriate agencies;
• Address the issue of sustainability when Phase 2 comes to an end in 2008.

2.10 The workshop was attended by members of the Review Steering Group and other key stakeholders. A list of attendees is shown in Annex F. The potential recommendations from the Interim Report were presented, plus the possible future options for the three main strands of PATH's work. Each aspect was discussed in detail, which led to some revisions of the initial recommendations presented in the Interim Report.

Summary of methodology

2.11 Table 2.1 summarises how our approach related to each of the elements of the review.

Table 2.1: Relationship between elements of the review and research methods

* In addition, other interviewed stakeholders were asked for their 'generic' views on these topics.

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