Interview
Examples
Walker J, Bieber E, Richards F, et al. Appendix 13: reference call outline Geisinger information services. In: Walker J, Bieber E, Richards F, editors. Implementing an electronic health record system. London: Springer; 2005. p. 228-31.
Beuscart-Zéphir M, Anceaux F, Renard J. Integrating users' activity analysis in the design and assessment of medical software applications: the example of anesthesia. In: Hasman A, Blobel B, Dudeck J, Engelbrecht R, Gell G, Prokosch HU, editors. Medical infobahn for Europe: proceedings of MIE2000 and GMDS2000. The Netherlands: IOS Press; 2000. p. 234-8.
Description
Interviews provide a means of eliciting information from a group of individuals regarding their opinions, behavior, or knowledge. They involve two or more people (interviewer and interviewee). The interviewer is the individual collecting data, and the interviewee is the person providing the data. Interviews can be face-to-face or conducted over the phone or with other electronic communication methods.
Uses
When asking questions about sensitive issues.
In the middle of a project: to gain insight into why particular issues are significant to users. In addition, interviews can allow you to collect new ideas or suggestions or to get feedback on new ideas.
At the beginning of a project: to determine user needs.
When you may not know what possible answers to your questions are.
At the end of a project: to clarify findings.
How do I use this tool?
1. BE CLEAR ABOUT THE PURPOSE of the interviews. Understand the role of the interview and how the information you collect will be used later.
2. PREPARE A LIST OF QUESTIONS
3. DECIDE ON AN INTERVIEW METHOD (face-to-face, phone).
4. DECIDE THE NUMBER INTERVIEWS to conduct and how many interviewers will be present.
5. CONDUCT PRACTICE INTERVIEWS streamline to the interview process.
6. CONTACT INTERVIEWEES AND SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS. Inform interviewee of the interview's purpose and provide a generalized list of topics that will be covered.
7. DECIDE HOW YOU WILL COLLECT INTERVIEW DATA. If you are planning to record the interviews, you must inform the interviewees and obtain their permission.
8. CONDUCT INTERVIEWS.
9. TRANSCRIBE NOTES AND CONTINUE WITH DATA ANALYSIS.
Expertise Required
This tool is easy to use and requires little or no training.
Recommended Supplies/Materials
Audio recorder
Advantages
Normally relatively easy.
Interviewees are generally willing to provide in-depth, meaningful responses.
Disadvantages
Can be time consuming to conduct an interview and analyze the resulting data.
Where can I go to learn more?
George M, Rowlands D, Price M, et al. Voice of the customer. The lean six sigma pocket toolbook. New York: McGraw - Hill; 2005. p. 55-68.
Tague N. The tools. In: O'Mara P, editor. The quality toolbox. 2nd ed. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2005. p. 93-521.