Table 1

Collection of data

Who

Method

Type of text

Number of words

6 GPs from another town

Focus group discussion about GP role in cancer follow-up (taped)

Transcribed discussion

14598

13 GPs with at least two randomized patients

Individual interviews with the GPs (taped)

Transcribed interviews

86195

4 GPs who had at least one eligible patient who died before finishing treatment

Individual interviews with the four GPs (taped)

Transcribed interviews

3169

91 randomized patients 45 relatives 1 friend

Self-administered questionnaires at start and after six months

One page enclosed for relative or friend

Written comments transcribed from the patients and their relatives and friends

16255 from patients

838 from relatives and friends

41 intervention patients

Invited consultation with the personal GP at start and after six months

Three open-ended questions asked by the GP

Patients' answers written down by the GP and transcribed

16538

Anvik et al. BMC Family Practice 2006 7:19   doi:10.1186/1471-2296-7-19