Focus groups
The students were provided with a participant information sheet and had
the opportunity to ask questions about the study, before providing
electronic written consent. Focus groups were conducted on Microsoft
Teams following a validated interview topic guide, which had been
developed by the authors based on knowledge of the specialty, a
literature review and suggestions from medical students following a
pilot study. Each focus group session was conducted by the author ES
following training she was given in conducting focus groups by the
author AB, and lasted between 45 and 90 minutes. AB was present for the
first focus group. No other individuals were present for the remaining
focus groups. Focus groups continued until data saturation was achieved
and no further focus groups or repeat focus groups were conducted.
Reflective notes were made during each focus group by the author ES to
aid analysis.