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Remote Data Collection in Qualitative Health Research: A Realist-Informed Evaluation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Remote methods of data collection- where participant/s and researcher/s are not co-located and communication technologies are used- have become increasingly commonplace. While in-person methods have long been considered the ‘gold-standard’ of qualitative enquiry, the COVID-19 pandemic catalysed the widespread adoption of remote methods, and their use has persisted. Remote methods offer unique opportunities; unprecedented access to participants and the possibility of novel, creative and multimodal data forms. Despite burgeoning use, however, there remains a dearth of synthesised evidence regarding their efficacy, which is essential for guiding decisions about their use. This study aimed to use the extant evidence base combined with empirical data to determine which remote qualitative methods work best, for whom and under what circumstances in order to produce guidance on the collection of remote qualitative data. A realist approach was used, including literature reviewing, 27 qualitative interviews (17 with researchers and 10 with previous qualitative research participants) and a consensus conference involving 32 stakeholders. It was supported by a public reference group. Researchers were recruited through their public profiles, social media and the team’s networks. Previous research participants were recruited through local community groups, a community engagement agency and social media. The context, mechanisms and outcomes that produce high quality, inclusive remote qualitative data were mapped from these various evidence sources using qualitative meta ethnographic evidence synthesis techniques. The findings highlight the significant interface between topic, population and method (including technology) and the need for researchers to be highly attentive to the interrelationships between these components in research design, whilst framing them within their wider, and evolving, context. By focusing on these intersections, rather than each aspect of research design individually, the benefits of remote methods (in terms of flexibility, inclusivity, sustainability and re-configured power dynamics) can be realised, and their harms both identified and accounted for.

Source: International Journal of Qualitative Methods

DOI: 10.1177/16094069261486222