In this article, the author illustrates the use of an adapted focus group process. He uses the example of canvassing the views of registered mental health nurses about the meaning of the term clinical decision. The article centres on the process involved in what the author has called 'the grounded focus group', a combination of traditional focus group work with analysis techniques drawn from grounded theory. The author describes the techniques involved, and offers a practical guide to the application of such groups, discussing the skills and important concerns involved in facilitating focus groups of this type.