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Qualitative Researchers’ Strategies for Virtual Recruitment and Data Collection: Five Case Examples
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Qualitative Researchers’ Strategies for Virtual Recruitment and Data Collection: Five Case Examples

Justine S. Sefcik, Chrystina M. Soloperto, Intima Alrimawi, Nancy Wise, Susan Sullivan-Bolyai and Suzanne S. Dickerson
Journal of the American Nurses Association - New York, v 3(2), pp 35-43
01 Jul 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47988/janany.70557664.3.2
url
https://doi.org/10.47988/janany.70557664.3.2View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Background: During the height of the pandemic, nurses conducting qualitative research needed to pivot their in-person recruitment and interviews to a virtual format. Virtual recruitment and interviewing are more common now due to benefits such the cost savings and ease and are anticipated to grow in popularity among qualitative researchers. Objective: The goal of this article was to share experiences from the personal perspectives of five nurse scientists who conducted virtual qualitative research during the pandemic. Method: Our insights stem from a collective reflection on experiences derived from five distinct qualitative research endeavors. Our focus revolves around the intricate processes of securing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, conducting effective recruitment, and navigating the nuances of data collection. Results: We share learned IRB considerations like adding extra time to the research timeline to allow for appropriate approvals, checking IRB websites for additional information that might now be required in the proposal, and to see if any templates are available. Researchers may want to explore a waiver of written consent from the IRB if conducting a low-risk study and if obtaining an electronic consent form signature might be difficult. Strategies for virtual recruitment included using social media sites and an online research registry that were successful in obtaining faster than usual enrollment of more diverse participants in relation to type of illness, race, ethnicity, and geography. For interviews, we learned that some participants may need training to use videoconferencing technology prior to interviews. Conclusions and Recommendations: We recommend that, as we move forward and as in-person research restrictions are lifting, qualitative researchers offer participants options for completing interviews virtually, by telephone, or in person, based on the comfort level and the preference of the person enrolling in the study.

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