Chart 2.

Example of an Exploratory, Qualitative Study Initiated Before the COVID-19 Pandemic and Discussions of Considerations Leading to a Decision on How to Proceed With This Study During the Pandemic and Discussions of Considerations Leading to a Decision on How to Proceed With This Study During the PandemicIn fall 2019, a research team launched a study of physicians’ willingness to share vulnerability with trainees. The team approached the study from a constructivist orientation, beginning analysis of data as soon as data collection began. The team completed interviews with 30 physicians from multiple specialties and career stages by January 2020 and had completed the first phase of data analysis in mid-March when concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic escalated. The team had just begun preparing for the second phase of data collection in which they planned to interview trainees about their perceptions and observations of faculty members. Initially, the team shifted attention to clinical and personal responsibilities and concerns related to the pandemic, but eventually they returned to regular research meetings (virtually) and discussed how to proceed with the study. The discussion posed concerns aligned with research components as detailed below.