Narratives: What did we learn about online methods during the pandemic?

Abstract

: Framework: Over the last 20 years, the use of the Internet to replace face-to-face interviews in qualitative research has become an important resource for the production of data on illness experiences. With the recommended social isolation from COVID-19, the transition from face-to-face to online interviews conducted through virtual platforms grew and provoked reflections and necessary adaptations in the methodology. Objectives/Organization of the chapter: Based on a narrative literature review, the advantages and limitations of the online method/technique were traced, and then four examples are presented from the Narrare-COVID 19 Project, an innovative proposal for virtual sharing of narratives illness and care experiences experienced by patients, families, and professionals, produced through qualitative research with the HERG method - Health Experiences Research Group - developed by the University of Oxford. Final considerations: The four examples have a common main objective and the online interviews presented, therefore, similarities in relation to ethical care, the interview script and the commitment of the audiovisual record, when authorized by the participant. There were differences in relation to recruitment strategies and availability of infrastructure available to respondents, with regard to access to the internet and/or the platform (Zoom® and Meet®). The examples illustrate and confirm the contributions and limitations of the online interviews highlighted in the narrative review.