Unintended consequences: a qualitative study exploring the impact of collecting implementation process data with...

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Qualitative data are essential for understanding implementation processes and trial outcomes.
• Common methods like interviews and observations can influence participant engagement and study results.
• The impact of researcher-participant interactions during data collection on implementation activities is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of ongoing telephone check-ins on data quality and participant engagement in an implementation trial.
• To explore how qualitative data collection methods influence implementation activities.

Main Methods:

• Regular phone check-ins were conducted with clinic staff (implementers) in an implementation study.
• 19 study implementers were interviewed about the impact of check-ins on engagement and activities.
• Researchers collecting data via check-ins were also interviewed about their perceptions.

Main Results:

• Implementers reported check-ins had no effect, served as reminders, or caused changes in implementation activities.
• Researchers perceived check-ins as reminders, enhancing engagement and fostering personal connections.
• Anticipation of check-ins improved implementers' recall and data quality.

Conclusions:

• Qualitative data collection methods can directly impact implementation activities and trial outcomes.
• Acknowledging or utilizing data collection as an implementation strategy may enhance scientific rigor.
• Further discussion is needed on managing the complexities of qualitative data collection in implementation science.