'Unfocused groups': lessons learnt amid remote focus groups in the Philippines

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Research Methodology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation of research data collection methods.
• Remote interviews have been explored, but remote focus group discussions (FGDs) remain under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document experiences and challenges of conducting remote FGDs with healthcare workers and caretakers in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify strategies for mitigating issues encountered during remote FGDs.

Main Methods:

• Nine remote FGDs were conducted using Facebook Messenger Room (FBMR).
• Participants included healthcare workers and caretakers of small children in the Philippines.
• FBMR was selected as the preferred communication platform.

Main Results:

• Significant challenges were encountered in participant recruitment, retention, and moderation, particularly with caretakers.
• Issues included difficulties finding private spaces, connectivity problems, and technological disruptions.
• Note-takers' roles expanded to include technical support and co-moderation.
• Ethical concerns arose regarding participant anonymity due to the use of personal Facebook accounts.

Conclusions:

• Remote FGDs, while adaptable, presented substantial practical and ethical hurdles.
• Strategies were developed to address challenges, but the method was ultimately deemed unfeasible for high-quality data collection in this context.
• Further guidance is needed for conducting effective and ethical remote qualitative research.