Virtual Focus Groups for Remote Qualitative Research in Individuals with Brain Injury: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To develop, refine, and implement strategies for virtual qualitative research in individuals with brain injury (BI) using the Knowledge to Action Framework. <h3>Design</h3> To design a standard operating procedure (SOP) for remote qualitative data collection in BI populations, we conducted a literature review, adapted the intervention to BI-specific needs, tested adaptations in mock focus groups, and integrated input from local experts. <h3>Setting</h3> Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. <h3>Participants</h3> Brain injury and psychological health investigators. <h3>Interventions</h3> Mock focus groups were conducted and guided by a standard operating procedure manual, technological supports for the virtual platform, and privacy adaptation protocols. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Debriefing sessions using rigorous probing following the mock focus groups. <h3>Results</h3> An SOP outlining barriers, facilitators, and strategies for remote qualitative data collection in BI populations. Barriers include logistical (e.g. documenting responses in compliance with privacy and confidentiality standards) and technological (e.g. disparities in familiarity with video conferencing) challenges. Facilitators can include participants having experience with virtual platforms. Recommendations include 1) consultation with key stakeholders to identify potential participants and refine strategies, 2) limitation of focus group size to 5-7 participants and designation of an additional team member for technological support, 3) creation of simple, easy to read participant guides that include technical instructions and process descriptions, 4) development of remote-specific protocols to address confidentiality and privacy issues related to participant identification and storage of audio and visual recordings, and 5) obtainment of participant feedback after each focus group to inductively adapt interventions to address the needs of cognitively impaired participants. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Virtual focus groups for remote qualitative data collection in persons with brain injury are a feasible, efficient, and low-cost approach that allows broad participation and enables capture of diverse stakeholder perspectives. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> Authors reported no disclosures.