Virtual Focus Groups: Maintaining Valuable Communication with CHIME Members

3.17.20
By Shafiq Rab MD, MPH, CHCIO, Chair, CHIME Foundation Board; SVP & CIO, Rush University Medical Center

Last week, I wrote an article for CHIME’s membership newsletter, Inside CHIME, to outline opportunities CHIME has put in place for members who planned to attend focus groups in Orlando. CHIME’s technology allows us to provide virtual focus groups in place of the traditional face-to-face sessions, which is not only a benefit for Foundation partners but also for members. 

CHIME members look forward to sharing their insights during focus groups and appreciate that Foundation partners value their suggestions. They also appreciate that CHIME, the CHIME Foundation and our partners are using innovative solutions to maintain the dialogue between CHIME members and Foundation partners. 

Here is how it works, as was explained in Inside CHIME: 

The CHIME Foundation is giving Foundation firms that had scheduled focus groups at the spring forum a virtual option. For those firms that want to proceed, the CHIME Foundation team will send invitations to members who previously had been assigned to specific focus group. If any openings remain, the team will open the spots up to the CHIME membership at large.  

The virtual focus group sessions will be scheduled for 10 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Honorariums will be awarded as before, with participation tracked and one honorarium check distributed at the end of the implementation period. 

Regularly scheduled online focus groups will continue to take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. ET. 

Just as CHIME has encouraged membership to participate in focus groups, the CHIME Foundation is encouraging Foundation partners that had planned on spring face-to-face focus sessions to take advantage of this resource. It is important that we continue to learn from each other, openly share needs and thoughts, and together drive health and care forward for our communities.  

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Business Director or email the CHIME Foundation team at [email protected].