Keemink, Jolie R., Sharp, Rebecca J., Dargan, Alan, Forder, Julien E. (2022) Reflections on the Use of Synchronous Online Focus Groups in Social Care Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21 . pp. 1-13. ISSN 1609-4069. (doi:10.1177/16094069221095314) (KAR id:95315)
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Language: English DOI for this version: 10.1177/16094069221095314
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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221095314 |
Abstract
Focus groups are an extensively employed research method for the collection of qualitative data. Recent developments in
teleconferencing platforms have produced a substantial increase in online research, including online focus groups. The
current study is the first to discuss methodological reflections on the conduct of online focus groups in adult social care
research. Previously reported research on the use of online focus groups in healthcare research cannot readily be applied
to the significantly distinct social care sector. Unique characteristics of the social care sector, such as the dispersion of
social care services, the significant funding gap, ongoing recruitment and retention issues, and an ageing population
becoming increasingly reliant on social care have consequences for the design, conduct and appropriateness of the online
focus group method. In this article, we review the use of synchronous online focus groups in social care research. We
conducted six online focus groups with social care professionals (total N = 37). The online focus group method is
evaluated by analysing and reporting data from a participant experience survey and researcher reflection logs. Additionally, this article reviews Microsoft Teams as a platform for online focus groups. It is concluded that the benefits of
increased accessibility and representation significantly outweigh the limitations related to online social communication.
We suggest that the use of the online focus groups method could enhance the relatively scarce research capacity in social
care, and we provide practical recommendations for the design and conduct of online focus groups in social care
research.
Item Type: | Article |
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DOI/Identification number: | 10.1177/16094069221095314 |
Uncontrolled keywords: | focus groups, virtual environments, mixed methods, methods in qualitative inquiry, qualitative evaluation |
Subjects: |
H Social Sciences H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) |
Divisions: |
Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Personal Social Services Research Unit |
Depositing User: | Jolie Keemink |
Date Deposited: | 06 Jun 2022 12:42 UTC |
Last Modified: | 06 Jun 2022 12:42 UTC |
Resource URI: | https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/95315 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
Keemink, Jolie R.: | ![]() |
Dargan, Alan: | ![]() |
Forder, Julien E.: | ![]() |
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