| Appendix A: Qualitative Findings
Methodology
In order to ascertain a global perspective on the quality of life
in San Mateo County, Professional Research Consultants was retained by Healthy Community
Collaborative of San Mateo County to conduct 5 community panels. A list of recommended
participants for the community panels was provided by the Community Collaborative.
Potential participants were chosen because of their ability to identify primary concerns
of the populations with whom they work, as well as of the community overall.
Panel candidates were first contacted by
letter to request their participation and input. Follow-up phone calls were made to
ascertain whether or not they would be able to attend. Confirmation calls were then placed
the day before the groups were scheduled to ensure they would have a reasonable turn-out.
Final participation rates are segmented below.
Date |
Time |
Group |
Number |
6-8-98 |
11:30 a.m. |
Business |
8 |
6-8-98 |
2:00 p.m. |
Social Service
A |
9 |
6-9-98 |
7:30 a.m. |
Physicians |
6 |
6-9-98 |
10:00 a.m. |
Social Service
B |
12 |
6-9-98 |
2:00 p.m. |
Community
Leader |
10 |
Each group met for approximately an hour
and a half. Meals or snacks were provided and the groups were held in a relatively
informal setting to encourage participants to be relaxed and open.
The panel sessions were recorded on audio
tapes from which verbatim comments in this report were taken. Note that after each quote,
the speaker’s group is denoted; however, aside from this group affiliation, there are
no names connected with the comments, as participants were asked to speak candidly and
assured of confidentiality.
Caution: These findings represent
qualitative rather than quantitative data. The groups were designed to gather input from
participants regarding their opinions and perceptions of the quality of life
in the area. Thus, these findings are based on perceptions, not facts. |