Contrasting Internet and Face-to-Face Focus Groups for Children with Chronic Health Conditions: Outcomes and Participant Experiences

In this study the authors examined Internet-mediated qualitative data collection methods among a sample of children with chronic health conditions. Specifically, focus groups via Internet technology were contrasted to traditional face-to-face focus groups. Internet focus groups consisted of asynchro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of qualitative methods 2010-03, Vol.9 (1), p.105-121
Main Authors: Nicholas, David B., Lach, Lucy, King, Gillian, Scott, Marjorie, Boydell, Katherine, Sawatzky, Bonita J., Reisman, Joe, Schippel, Erika, Young, Nancy L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Affinity
Cerebral palsy
Chat rooms
Child health
Children
Chronic illnesses
Cystic fibrosis
Data collection
Engagement
Focus groups
Group psychotherapy
Health problems
Health status
Illnesses
Internet
Medical technology
Methodology
Research methods
Social interaction
Spina bifida
Technology
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Summary:In this study the authors examined Internet-mediated qualitative data collection methods among a sample of children with chronic health conditions. Specifically, focus groups via Internet technology were contrasted to traditional face-to-face focus groups. Internet focus groups consisted of asynchronous text-based chat rooms lasting a total of one week in duration. Participants comprised 23 children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or cystic fibrosis, who were assigned to either an Internet or face-to-face focus group. Focus group analysis and follow-up participant interviews identified a range of content outcomes and processes as well as participant experiences and preferences. Findings yielded differences in terms of the volume and nature of online and face-to-face data, and participants' affinity to focus group modality appeared to reflect differences in participant expectations for social engagement and interaction. This study identifies both benefits and limitations of asynchronous, text-based online focus groups. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
ISSN:1609-4069
1609-4069
DOI:10.1177/160940691000900102