Abstract
Objective: To report the experience of the Focus Group as a data collection technique in nursing research. Experience report: Three meetings were held in 90-minute private rooms between May and June 2016. Using the focus group technique, the challenges were: difficulty in bringing employees together, prior knowledge of the technique by the moderator, which required more preparation time but ensured a more coherent mediation, and the challenge of limiting the number of participants, which was sometimes the minimum indicated for the use of this technique. This number was caused by factors related to the nature of employment relationships and strenuous activities performed by participants. There was a need for further exploration of knowledge about this data collection technique, as well as encouragement of professionals to participate in active methodologies. During the meetings there was proactive involvement of the participants and their perception of the importance of these moments. Final considerations: The use of the Focus Group generated learning and experiences for the management of this technique, and despite the difficulties, it proved to be a successful experience. However, there is a scarcity of studies on the use of the Focus Group in nursing research.