Experiences of therapists and occupational therapy students using video conferencing in conduction of focus groups

Date

2014

Authors

Smith, Theresa M.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

Abstract

A paucity of literature exists on how to conduct an online focus group. The purpose of this study is to describe and learn from participants’ experiences in using virtual technology in a focus group conducted to refine a low vision assessment. Ten low vision therapists and five master’s level students participated. Two cycles of data collection and analysis occurred, one for focus group transcripts of therapists and another for student replies to a questionnaire. A case-by-case matrix was created and data sorted into three categories including: (1) benefits to using the technology; (2) challenges to using the technology; and (3) suggestions for future use of the technology. Therapists valued communicating with their peers from settings of their choice and students gained satisfaction in facilitating the communication. Optimal data collection with online focus groups requires that researchers be knowledgeable in all the technology features and carefully plan for common technology issues.

Description

Keywords

Focus groups, Video conferencing, Participants' experiences

Citation

This is the published version of an article that is available at https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1233. Recommended citation: Smith, T. (2014). Experiences of therapists and occupational therapy students using video conferencing in conduction of focus groups. The Qualitative Report, 19(19), 1-13. This item has been deposited in accordance with publisher copyright and licensing terms and with the author’s permission.