Using Listening Rooms for Qualitative Data Collection in Medical Science Education Research

Listening Rooms are a qualitative data collection method, wherein two participants have a discussion without a researcher present. The conversation is guided by prompts provided by the researcher. This approach can elicit more candid, honest accounts of experiences than may occur when participants communicate directly with researchers, which can be advantageous in medical science education contexts. This article outlines practical tips for getting the most out of using Listening Rooms in medical science education research, including guidance on deciding whether listening rooms are appropriate for a particular project, advice regarding prompt design, and logistical, safety and wellbeing factors to consider.