Focus Group Approach Research Articles

Providing holistic end-of-life care for people with a history of problem substance use: a mixed methods cohort study of interdisciplinary service provision and integrated care

Harmful use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol is linked to life-limiting illness and complex health and social care needs, but people who use substances and have complex needs do not receive timely palliative care and fail to achieve quality standards for a good death. They and their families often require support from multiple health and social care services which are shown to be poorly integrated and fail to deliver interdisciplinary care. This study aimed to identify the existing barriers and facilitators within and between services in providing this population with a good death. Using a mixed methods approach of survey, focus groups and semi-structured interviews, we explored the perspectives of practitioner and management staff across a range of health and social disciplines and organisations in one combined authority in a large city in the north west of England. Our findings indicate that practitioners want to provide better care for this client group, but face structural, organisational and professional boundary barriers to delivering integrated and shared care. Differences in philosophy of care, piecemeal commissioning and funding of services, and regulatory frameworks for different services, lead to poor and inequitable access to health and social care services. Ways forward for improving care are suggested as bespoke hostel-based accommodation for palliative care for this client group, and specialist link workers who can transcend professional and organisational boundaries to support co-ordination of services and support. We conclude that it is no longer adequate to call for more training, better communication and improved joint working. Complex care at the end of life requires creative and cohesive systemic responses that enable multi-disciplinary practitioners to provide the care they wish to give and enables individuals using substances to get the respect and quality service they deserve.

Exploring Experiences of Conflict within Medical Teams in an Emergency Department: A Focus Group Approach during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The factors related to conflicts in emergency departments (EDs) have been studied for decades. The post-pandemic digital era may transform the medical landscape in EDs, potentially changing the patterns of conflict between healthcare professionals. This study used focus group interviews to explore conflicts in EDs. Four groups, each with 4-6 participants, took part in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using six research questions. Summative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The participant's average age was 37.82 years, and the average number of working years was 12.12. The following five themes emerged: multiple patterns of internal conflict; external conflicts arising from cross-departmental coordination; conflicts due to unclear job boundaries; adapting to conflicts in diverse ways; and seeking hospital arbitration. The results of this study suggest extending interdisciplinary collaborative practice from emergency departments to all coordinating departments. An inclusive environment for equality between professions and open communication should be promoted by hospitals.

Application of the participatory design in the testing of a baropodometric insole prototype for weight-bearing asymmetry after a stroke: A qualitative study

Introduction Currently studies indicate the need to incorporate the user`s perspective in the testing of new assistive technologies. The objective of this paper is to test a baropodometric insole prototype for monitoring and treatment weight-bearing asymmetry, according to the Participatory Design. Methods We used a qualitative case study approach during the testing phase of the baropodometric insole prototype. The focus group approach addressed topics related to the experience and accessibility of the potential user in conjunction with professionals, researchers, and physiotherapy students. Facilitators, barriers, and requirements for the device were collected through audio recordings of the discussions during and after prototype testing. Results Key steps in the prototype testing process were divided into (1) Test of the prototype according to the Participatory Design, divided into Who, When, How, and Why the potential user was involved in the study; and (2) Facilitators, barriers and requirements to improve the prototype. Conclusions The baropodometric insole prototype can be seen as a promising device for monitoring and treating weight-bearing asymmetry.

Practitioner Perspectives on Occupation-Based Practice Across Varied Settings

Occupation-based practice (OBP) is considered a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice. However, there is no consensus-based definition of OBP, let alone agreement on its mediators across practice settings. To describe how OBP is currently conceptualized and enacted across different practice settings, a descriptive qualitative approach of focus groups and elicitation of visual data (e.g., photographs, video recordings) was used with 65 participants. Multiple rounds of qualitative data analysis were used to identify codes and themes. Three themes were identified: (a) contextual factors of OBP, (b) client status, and (c) temporal characteristics of OBP. OBP is influenced by institutional, historical, and temporal aspects of practice settings, with further exploration needed across different practice settings and occupational therapy pedagogy styles. Considering the influence of contextual aspects may support occupational therapy practitioners and researchers’ efforts to support their advocacy for occupation as a foundational concept in the profession.

Developing a haemodialysis acuity tool (the HAT study): A qualitative study.

Haemodialysis units are now managing an increasing number of patients with varying needs and levels of acuity. To maintain safety, haemodialysis patients must be placed in the most appropriate dialysis unit that has the required human and physical resources to care for them. The first step towards achieving these goals is to develop a tool specific to haemodialysis units to effectively measure patient acuity. To develop a haemodialysis acuity tool, utilising a focus group approach, in assessing patient's suitability for a specific dialysis location thus ensuring patient safety. This is a cross-sectional qualitative study via a focus group approach. Participants were nurse unit managers and team leaders of a District Renal Service. Participants were interviewed to explore their views on the elements and measures identified in the research aims. Themes for interviews were informed by current literature on acuity tools for haemodialysis patients' admission to the dialysis units. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and progressively analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Ten nurse unit managers/team leaders (100%) were interviewed and thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted utilising the deductive approach. Five themes were identified which will form the main categories in the development of the tool, namely: Age/frailty; co-morbidity; physical; dialysis; and psychosocial. This study is instrumental in the development of the haemodialysis acuity tool which can be used in allocating dialysis location specific to patient's needs and available resources. The tool can also be used in analysing patient care processes and resource requirements based on the patients' and unit's profile.

Re-thinking the role of municipalities in mobility transitions: Co-working spaces in suburban and rural areas as a “new normal”

The global COVID pandemic changed how we work. Telework has become the “new normal” in suburban and rural areas. National and regional transport policies have been using these new trends of work to address mobility problems and provide development of low-traffic cities and regions. Companies face the challenges to lead and coordinate teleworkers. Private providers now offer spatial concepts for telework such as co-working spaces in suburban and rural as well as urban areas. Moreover, less attention has been paid to the role municipalities play in adapting to the “new normal” of work in collaborating between stakeholders from different institutional spheres especially in suburban and rural areas. This study explores this lacuna by adopting a quadruple helix model. It integrates a focus group approach for qualitative data collection and uses two suburban cities in the Hannover region of Germany as a case study. The findings raise the question of how the role of municipalities can be strengthened to effectively adapt to a “new normal” of work in suburban and rural areas for the mobility transition. The study broadens the discussion about supporting the reduction of CO2 emissions from commuting through the implementation of co-working spaces in suburban and rural areas. Finally, a three-step collaborative innovation process is offered.

The accessibility and quality of health services for diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory disease patients during Covid-19 in Northern Jordan: A mixed method study

Background The catastrophe caused by the Coronavirus disease has affected all services worldwide. A range of policies were introduced to slow the virus spread, which in turn, affected the accessibility and quality of healthcare services. This was a problematic and concerning for patients with chronic diseases, such as patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), due to their sustained need for ongoing health care. The aims of the study were: 1) assessing the level of both accessibility and quality of healthcare services during the Covid-19 pandemic from the DM and CRD patients’ perspectives, 2) assessing the association between the patients’ socio-demographics and their perspectives on health services accessibility and quality, and 3) exploring the perspectives of DM and CRD patients on barriers and facilitators of health services accessibility and quality during the era of COVID -19. Method Design. A sequential explanatory mixed-method was used in this study. In the quantitative part, a self -administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 300 patients with DM and/or CRD. In the qualitative part, focus group approach was used to collect data from 25 patients. Setting. Public, private and teaching hospitals were involved. Analysis. SPSS Version 25 was used to analyze the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Results The quantitative findings indicated that almost 99% of the participating patients perceived barriers, ranging from low to high, to accessing health services during COVID-19. Additionally, more than half of the sample perceived low to moderate level of quality of health services. Four themes and nine subthemes related to barriers and facilitators were identified in the qualitative part of the study. Conclusion The study revealed that both quality and accessibility of healthcare services for DM and CRD patients were impacted during the era of COVID -19. The findings lay the ground for developing future health programs and establishing or revising policies with the goal of improving healthcare services quality and accessibility for the target population.

The mental health toll of service: an examination of self-reported impacts of public safety personnel careers in a treatment-seeking population

ABSTRACT Introduction: Public safety personnel (PSP), including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, are exposed to traumatic events as part of their day-to-day jobs. These traumatic events often result in significant stress and increase the likelihood of negative mental health outcomes, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study sought to develop an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of PSPs as related to the mental health toll of their service. Through a series of targeted focus groups, Canadian PSP were asked to provide their perspectives on the PTSD-related symptoms that resulted as a by-product of their occupational service. The DSM-5-TR PSTD criteria (A-E) provided a thematic lens to map the self-described symptomatic expression of PSP’s lived experiences. Methods: The present study employed a phenomenological focus-group approach with a treatment-seeking inpatient population of PSP. Participants included PSP from a variety of occupational backgrounds. Using semi-structured focus groups, fifty-one participants were interviewed. These focus groups were audio recorded, with consent, and transcribed verbatim. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, emergent themes within the data were inductively developed, examined, and connected across individual cases. Results: Utilizing the primary criteria of PTSD (Criteria A-E) outlined by the DSM-5-TR, we identified qualitative themes that included exposure to a traumatic event, intrusion symptoms, avoidance symptoms, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and marked alterations in arousal and reactivity. Conclusion: PSP are exposed to extreme stressors as a daily part of their occupation and are at elevated risk of developing mental health difficulties, including PTSD. In the present study, focus groups were conducted with PSP about the mental health toll of their occupations. Their experiences mapped onto the five primary criteria of PTSD, as outlined by the DSM-5-TR. This study provides crucial descriptive information to guide mental health research aims and treatment goals for PSTD in PSP populations.

Phenomenological Study of Women Entrepreneurs and Their Impact on Socio-Economic Growth in Malaysia

The study was conducted on women entrepreneurship and socio-economic growth in Malaysia. The study on women entrepreneurship in Malaysia was on Women entrepreneurship is said to be the emerging phenomenon of the 21th Century. It has been recognised that today women are as likely as men seeking business opportunities around them. Women entrepreneurs are able to contribute to socioeconomic development of the country. However, women entrepreneurs were found to encounter internal and external barriers to their business growth. Based on the literature review on entrepreneurship highlighted numerous constraints and barriers to women entrepreneurship which include amongst others gender-biased, lack of entrepreneurial and business skills, finance and even the personality characteristics of women. In this study there were four factors and barriers facing entrepreneurship growth were identified. They were personality traits, business skills, knowledge and training, the need for government support system and support systems that contribute to women entrepreneurship growth and the socio-economic growth of the country. In order to answer these four objectives, this study conducted a focus group method in order to clearly understand the phenomenon of women entrepreneurship in Malaysia. It has been informed the focus group approach is commonly used in social science research. A selected group of 10 key person women entrepreneurs answered the interview and discussion via online focus group discussion. The structured questionnaires were also distributed to the 10 entrepreneurs participated and responded in focus group discussion. The focus group discussion centred on four themes on women entrepreneurship development, women and its contribution to socio-economic growth, including household income, employment and society wellbeing. Data collection on entrepreneurial psychological factors, barriers to women entrepreneurship success and growth, government support systems and the social and economic growth of the country were gathered from the focus group discussion and were analysed using NVIVO software package. The results of the study were tabulated based on four themes and sub themes. In conclusion this research has established a woman entrepreneurship socio-economic model in Malaysia. A causal relationship model configured variables as a main guidance for entrepreneurship stakeholders and practitioners. This study was a phenomenological study on woman entrepreneurship and its effect on women socio-economic growth in Malaysia. The study provided implications to stakeholders in addressing women entrepreneurship problems and barrier to women business growth. It was recommended that further research on women entrepreneurship will be based on industrial and business sectors dominated by women. 

Exploring context-related challenges and adaptive responses while working from home during COVID-19

PurposeThis paper aims to understand how context-related factors impacted productivity for managers while working from home in the Luxembourgish market during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also screens for coping mechanisms causing better mental and work-related results.Design/methodology/approachA focus group approach was applied with 46 participants. Participants were placed into 11 groups, and the research was conducted from July 2021 to October 2021. The findings are based on the in-depth analysis of the qualitative data using atlas.ti software.FindingsChallenges that the participants had faced while working from home during COVID-19 revealed issues in all four layers of the context-related framework. Social challenges, namely loneliness, communication and trust, were most present among those four layers. Ensuring a better person-environment fit by using different coping mechanisms by participants, produced a healthier psychological and mental state, claimed by participants.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted in Luxembourg and on middle managers and did not involve a large sample. Additionally, future research might strive for quantitative data to better understand the phenomenon of work from anywhere and its relations to work-life integration, stress and resilience.Practical implicationsThe paper adds more clarification on the application of the context-related factors and person-environment fit necessary for resilience and thus productivity of employees. In addition, the paper may serve managers and HR managers to develop more impactful practices, processes, education and tools to support working from home.Originality/valueThe paper explores personal challenges and coping mechanisms while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Luxembourg.

INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRY 4.0 MATURITY LEVEL

The ability to adapt to changes in information and communication technologies is essential for all organizations. Companies that fail to correctly perceive the need for these changes and delay their implementation are doomed to disappear. In this context, the term Industry 4.0 is used to refer to digital improvement studies. It aims to increase profitability by reducing production costs without increasing the focus areas of companies. Determining the level of digitalization is as important as completing the digitalization infrastructure to bring Industry 4.0 to life. In this way, companies can determine their current digitalization status and maintain their competitiveness. They can also decide the steps needed to implement Industry 4.0. Currently, there are many methods and models used to determine the level of digitalization. However, this study takes a distinctive approach by aiming to develop an integrated methodology tailored for quantifying Industry 4.0 maturity in companies. To begin, the dimensions used within the Industry 4.0 maturity assessment were extracted from the literature. Then, a focus group approach was utilized by experts to eliminate the unimportant dimensions. Next, Interval-Valued Spherical Fuzzy AHP (IVSF-AHP) was used to determine the importance weights of the determined dimensions. Finally, the Industry 4.0 maturity level of an aviation/defense company was calculated by applying the proposed methodology based on the data collected via the questionnaire. Therefore, this proposed methodology provides a potent instrument for accurately appraising progress in digital transformation, refining strategies, and securing success in an evolving technology-driven environment.

Developing an enhanced business process improvement methodology (EBPIM)

PurposeThis research paper aims to develop and validate an enhanced business process improvement methodology (EBPIM) by integrating the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and the comprehensive business process management (CBPM) methodologies.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review and analysis were conducted to prove the novelty of the research approach and identify the similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses of the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies. The EBPIM was proposed based on the analysis results. Then, a focus group approach was used to evaluate and validate the methodology.FindingsThe EBPIM consists of nine activities: preparation, selection, description, quantification, modeling, enactment, improvement opportunities selection, analysis and improvement and monitoring. The proposed methodology adopted the systematic and structured process of the DMAIC methodology by having one tollgate between every two activities to check the progress and authorize the team to go to the next activity. At the same time, it has the ability of the CBPM methodology to enhance the interaction between human activities and business process management systems (BPMS).Research limitations/implicationsThe EBPIM was evaluated and validated by a focus group of academic professors. However, the main limitation of the proposed methodology is that it is still theoretical and needs to be empirically tested. Therefore, future work will focus on testing the EBPIM in different industries and organization sizes.Practical implicationsFrom the theoretical perspective, the proposed methodology adds value to the knowledge in the scope of business processes improvement methodologies (BPIMs) by integrating the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies. It takes advantage of and combines the strengths of the DMAIC and CBPM methodologies. From the practical perspective, the proposed methodology presents a valuable tool that can facilitate the organization’s mission to improve the areas that need improvement using a systematic improvement methodology that will effectively enhance organizational performance (OP).Originality/valueThe BPIMs literature analysis proved that most of the reviewed methodologies could not support all phases of the business process improvement (BPI) activities. It was concluded that integrating the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies is a novel approach. The proposed methodology will enhance the efficiency of both methodologies, fill the gaps that may exist in both of them and lead to better results in terms of BPI.

(Dis)continuation of the oral contraceptive pill: A focus group approach in the Netherlands

Objective(s)The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is the most used contraceptive worldwide; nevertheless, discontinuation rates are relatively high. While advantages of the OCP, like pregnancy prevention and planned parenthood, result in autonomy and independence, side effects and other aspects play a role in the decision to (dis)continue usage. Informed and deliberate decision-making is of importance to prevent adverse effects in health and quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore how women in the Netherlands decide to (dis)continue the OCP. Study designThis paper reports a qualitative study using four focus groups, conducted online or face-to-face, with 20 women of different educational background aged between 18 and 23. The topic guide was based on relevant theory and literature, and focused on personal beliefs, experiences and social interactions about the OCP. The study is reported according to SRQR guidelines. ResultsThe main themes that were found the influence decision-making were effects, side effects, towards alternatives, interpersonal communication with peers, interpersonal communication with the general practitioner, and online information seeking. Feeling responsible emerged as a relevant additional theme, embedded in the decision-making process, and influencing other themes. Some educational differences emerged. Conclusion(s)The decision to start the OCP is a highly normalized process in the Netherlands. However, women who feel a strong sense of responsibility for pregnancy prevention may be less open to considering alternative contraception methods. Results imply that women can be better supported in the decision-making process by providing balanced information on effects and side effects of a wide range of contraceptives, as well as restoring the balance in both sexual partner's responsibility for contraception. Implications for practice and suggestions for further research on the concept of responsibility, its influence, and underlying mechanisms are provided.

Consumer acceptance of new food ingredients made from by‐products ‐ A focus group approach

Consumer acceptance of new food ingredients made from by‐products ‐ A focus group approach

Dental Students' Perspectives and Learning Experiences during the Covid-19 Outbreak: A Qualitative Study

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the perspectives and learning experiences of undergraduate dental students during the Covid-19 pandemic using a qualitative approach. Materials and Methods: The current study used a qualitative focus group approach based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Three focus groups were carried out using a piloted interview topic guide. A convenient sampling was adopted to include undergraduate year 3 to year 5 dental students who had attended regular face-to-face session before the pandemic. Each session consisted of 6 to 8 participants who were randomly assigned, and the sessions lasted for about 30 to 45 minutes. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis using a deductive approach was employed to the focus group data. All the final codes were refined and agreed by all members of the research team. Results: Four main themes with their respective subthemes were identified through the coding process, namely change in study life balance, online learning, interpersonal relationship, and concern for future. Conclusion: Dental students faced numerous challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, both mentally and academically. Academicians must reconsider and re-evaluate the curriculum, including the mode of delivery, as total eradication of the virus is not likely to be possible in the foreseeable future.

Stages of the formation of IT speciality students’ pragma-professional communicative competence in foreig

The article deals with the stages of the formation of IT specialty students’ pragma-professional communicative competence in foreign language education. The pragma-professional communicative competence has four subcompetences such as pragma-communicative sub-competence, functional-projective sub-competence, discursive-industrial sub-competence, pragma-creative sub-competence. Researcher conducted an experiment with 208 IT specialty students and 10 students were selected to focus group interview. The experiment was aimed to identify the effectiveness of the awareness of stages for the formation of named competence. Before the experiment, the term “pragma-professional communicative competence” and stages for the formation were explained in detail. Pre-test and post-test questions were consisted of 40 various questions. The results of the pre and post tests were analyzed, and the experimental group had shown a significant change from 73 points to 90 points. Focus group interview was aimed to identify students’ perceptions of the formation of pragma-professional communicative competence and its stages. As this study was interested in understanding the perceptions of students about a focused topic, it was felt that a focus group approach was most appropriate. The reason for utilizing focus groups, rather than individual interviews, was that they were pragmatic and time efficient as they are perceived as a tool that can provide relevant data. Focus group interview result shows that students perceive stages for the formation of PPCC as helpful and comfortable to apply in foreign language education.

Factors affecting decision-making in Gaelic Football: a focus group approach.

Research examining decision-making in sports has predominantly used experimental approaches that fail to provide a holistic understanding of the various factors that impact the decision-making process. The current study aimed to explore the decision-making processes of Senior (expert) and Academy (near-expert) Gaelic Football players using a focus group approach. Four focus groups were conducted; two with Senior players (n = 5; n = 6) and two with U17 Academy players (n = 5; n = 6). In each focus group, short video clips of Senior Gaelic football games were played, and the action was paused at key moments. The group then discussed the options available to the player in possession, the decision they would make in that situation, and importantly, what factors influenced the final decision. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that emerged from the focus groups. Four primary themes emerged that affected the decision-making process. Three themes were related to information sources, namely, pre-match context (coach tactics and instructions, match importance, and opposition status), current match context (score and time remaining), and visual information (player positioning and field space, and visual search strategy), and the fourth theme related to individual differences (self-efficacy, risk propensity, perceived pressure, physical characteristics, action capabilities, fatigue) that moderated the decision-making process. Compared to the near-expert Academy players, the expert Senior players displayed a more sophisticated understanding of the various sources of information and were able to integrate them in a more complex manner to make projections regarding future scenarios. For both groups, the decision-making process was moderated by individual differences. A schematic has been developed based on the study findings in an attempt to illustrate the hypothesized decision-making process.

Towards a Moral Community: Moral Education Strategies in Indonesian Schools

 
 Moral education is a foundational yet contestable matter in any society. Debates about moral education help to define the parameters of true and right conduct in a society. The contestable nature of moral education curricula in Indonesia perhaps indicates the critical importance of character development in national and cultural formation and in the continuous creation and recreation of national identity. This study of the nature of moral education in junior secondary schools in the Yogyakarta region used a qualitative focus group approach. Teachers, lecturers, and trainee teachers were selected to be formed into five focus groups designed to provide a deeper analysis of the conflicting understandings of the nature of morality and of the expression of that morality in the curriculum. The findings showed several areas of contradiction and confusion in moral education in schools, including differences in religious and secular conceptualizations of morality and differences between those who wanted to promote or exclude intercultural understandings of morality within the state.
 Keywords: moral education, character education, morality, Pancasila, Indonesia

Understanding Breast Cancer Disparities Affecting Black Women: Obtaining Diverse Perspectives Through Focus Groups Comprised of Patients, Providers, and Others.

Black women have the highest death rate from breast cancer and a higher chance of developing breast cancer before the age of 40 than White women. Mammography screening is recommended for early detection which has led to decreased mortality and improved survival. Unfortunately, Black women are less likely to have breast cancer screenings. Environmental justice communities represent place-based structural disparity/racism leading to health inequality. Environmental justice specifically addresses situations where minority or low-income communities bear disproportionately poor human health outcomes and environmental risks. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a deep understanding of breast cancer screening disparity from multiple perspectives to enable collective solutions to barriers faced by Black women in an environmental justice community. Data were collected from 22 participants using a focus group approach from Black women with breast cancer (n = 5) and without it (n = 5), healthcare providers (n = 6), and community leaders (n = 6). An iterative and inductive thematic data analysis method was used to analyze data. The themes that emerged from the data included: (1) misconceptions and fear of mammograms; (2) breast cancer screening beyond mammograms; and (3) barriers beyond mammograms. These themes reflected personal, community, and policy barriers leading to breast cancer screening disparity. This study was an initial step to develop multi-level interventions targeting the personal, community, and policy barriers that are needed to advance breast cancer screening equity for Black women living in environmental justice communities.

Pandemic pedagogies: reflecting on online learning using the community of inquiry framework

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in profound disruption to geography higher education. A pivot to online teaching required staff to rapidly adapt their practices to novel digital spaces. Whilst many studies have reported the different pedagogic approaches adopted, fewer have evaluated the resultant student learning experience. In this study, we aimed to create an evidence base regarding the benefits and challenges of online learning during the pandemic, mapped against the teaching, cognitive and social presences of the Community of Inquiry framework. We adopted a mixed-methods approach of online surveys (105 students) and focus groups (14 students), undertaken across two undergraduate geography programmes in a British university, exploring the benefits of asynchronous and synchronous online learning, and assessment and feedback strategies. We discovered flexibility in student work patterns and use of technology to facilitate engagement in learning. We also identified key challenges for students such as time management, maintaining motivation, engaging in online classes, and feeling part of an online learning community. We identify best practice in collaborative-constructivist online learning, so that in the event of any future remote pivot, or with sustained adoption of blended modes of delivery, we can achieve a high-quality student learning experience.