Data collection

Audio recordings of sessions were taken with two digital recorders placed at opposite ends of the room. A survey booklet containing the two questions above, as well as standard demographic items and three evaluation questions about the usefulness of a town hall format, was developed and provided to participants during the introduction of the session. Participants were encouraged to complete the demographic items and record any thoughts in response to the questions and conversation as the session progressed. Detailed notes, including quotes from participants, were taken by all members; flip charts were used to record key ideas, in particular health research areas identified by participants which were outlined in bullet form. Debriefing meetings were held where researchers’ observations and reflections about sessions were recorded. These meetings allowed researchers to review notes and discuss key areas of health research identified by participants as sessions progressed. This allowed a good understanding of issues raised in prior sessions and anticipatory reflection of what might be discussed at upcoming town halls (or easy identification of different ideas raised).