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Selfie consents, remote rapport, and Zoom debriefings: collecting qualitative data amid a pandemic in four resource-constrained settings.
Reñosa, Mark Donald C; Mwamba, Chanda; Meghani, Ankita; West, Nora S; Hariyani, Shreya; Ddaaki, William; Sharma, Anjali; Beres, Laura K; McMahon, Shannon.
  • Reñosa MDC; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Ruprechts-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
  • Mwamba C; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines.
  • Meghani A; On behalf of the Social & Behavioural Science Group, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • West NS; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Hariyani S; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Ddaaki W; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Sharma A; Johns Hopkins India Private Limited (JHIPL), Delhi, India.
  • Beres LK; On behalf of the Social & Behavioral Sciences Team, The Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai, Uganda.
  • McMahon S; On behalf of the Social & Behavioural Science Group, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
BMJ Glob Health ; 6(1)2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1015667
ABSTRACT
In-person interactions have traditionally been the gold standard for qualitative data collection. The COVID-19 pandemic required researchers to consider if remote data collection can meet research objectives, while retaining the same level of data quality and participant protections. We use four case studies from the Philippines, Zambia, India and Uganda to assess the challenges and opportunities of remote data collection during COVID-19. We present lessons learned that may inform practice in similar settings, as well as reflections for the field of qualitative inquiry in the post-COVID-19 era. Key challenges and strategies to overcome them included the need for adapted researcher training in the use of technologies and consent procedures, preparation for abbreviated interviews due to connectivity concerns, and the adoption of regular researcher debriefings. Participant outreach to allay suspicions ranged from communicating study information through multiple channels to highlighting associations with local institutions to boost credibility. Interviews were largely successful, and contained a meaningful level of depth, nuance and conviction that allowed teams to meet study objectives. Rapport still benefitted from conventional interviewer skills, including attentiveness and fluency with interview guides. While differently abled populations may encounter different barriers, the included case studies, which varied in geography and aims, all experienced more rapid recruitment and robust enrollment. Reduced in-person travel lowered interview costs and increased participation among groups who may not have otherwise attended. In our view, remote data collection is not a replacement for in-person endeavours, but a highly beneficial complement. It may increase accessibility and equity in participant contributions and lower costs, while maintaining rich data collection in multiple study target populations and settings.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Data Collection / COVID-19 / Interpersonal Relations Type of study: Experimental Studies / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Long Covid Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa / Asia Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjgh-2020-004193

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Data Collection / COVID-19 / Interpersonal Relations Type of study: Experimental Studies / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Long Covid Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa / Asia Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjgh-2020-004193