Synchronous online focus groups in health research: application and further development of methodology based on experiences from two mixed-methods research projects

BMC Research Notes

Research Note

Anna Levke Bruett¹  Elise-Marie Dilger¹  Julia von Sommoggy²  Dyon Hoekstra³  Annett Thiele³  Christian Krauth⁴  Jonas Lander⁴  Hala Altawil⁴  Cosima John⁴  Kathrin Krüger⁴  Marie-Luise Dierks⁴  Kristina Schaubert⁴  Lara Marleen Fricke⁴ 

[1] Department for Health Services Research, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany;Institute for Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany;Institute for Special and Rehabilitation Education, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany;Institute of Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;

关键词: Online focus groups;    Digital focus groups;    Synchronous online focus groups;    Focus group methods;    health research;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13104-023-06288-0

 received in 2022-04-28, accepted in 2023-02-07,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

ObjectivesFocus groups used for data collection in health research are increasingly conducted online. In two multi-center health research projects, we applied available methodological instructions for synchronous online focus groups (SOFGs). We describe necessary changes and specifications regarding the planning (recruitment, technology, ethics, appointments) and conduct (group composition, moderation, interaction, didactics) to enhance knowledge about the planning and conduct of SOFGs.ResultsRecruiting online proved to be challenging and necessitated direct and analogue recruiting, too. To ensure participation, less digital and more individual formats may be offered, e.g. telephone calls. Explaining verbally the specifics of data protection and anonymity in an online setting can foster participants’ confidence to actively engage in the discussion. Two moderators, one moderating, one supporting technically, are advisable in SOFGs, however, due to limited nonverbal communication, roles and tasks need to be defined beforehand. Participant interaction is central to focus groups in general, but sometimes difficult to achieve online. Hence, smaller group size, sharing of personal information and moderators increased attention to individual reactions appeared helpful. Lastly, digital tools such as surveys and breakout rooms should be used with caution, as they easily inhibit interaction.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

【 图 表 】

Fig. 4