Table 2.

Challenges in remote qualitative data collection and associated strategies.

Challenges	Strategies	Example approach
Inclusive outreach to participants.	Multimodal outreach strategies.	Send physical letters with focus group information and offer both telephone only and videoconferencing modalities.
Coordinating a meeting time for web-based interviews or focus groups.	Provide flexible hours and focus on participants’ schedule preferences.	Study staff can offer multiple times for web-based focus groups to assess times that would maximize attendance.
Securely conducting web-based interviews or focus groups.	Select HIPAAa-compliant videoconferencing platforms.	Platforms that are HIPAA-compliant have security features such as password-protected meetings and waiting rooms that study staff can use to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality.
Encouraging active participation in web-based interviews or focus groups.	Proactively plan the focus group structure to optimize participation.	Consider the target size of the focus group to promote participation. Study staff can also give an introduction at the start of focus sessions to set a tone of welcome and inclusivity (eg, build rapport and give overview of study topics) and be intentional about the use of verbal and nonverbal communication throughout the focus group to encourage participation.
Solving technological issues with participants.	Review technological features and any problems at the start of the session and then address emerging issues as needed.	Expend a portion of the focus group, ensuring that all technological components are functioning (eg, microphones and videos turned on as appropriate) and review features of the platform. Have a study staff member on call to assist with technological problems as needed.
Conducting interviews or focus groups in a timely fashion.	Coordinate the team approach to adhering to a predetermined schedule.	Determine allotted time for aspects of the focus group’s discussion in advance and divide labor among the study staff during focus groups to maximize efficiency.

^aHIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.