Online focus group for qualitative research data collection: experience report

Abstract

Objective to report the process of developing an online focus group as a data collection technique in qualitative research. Method this is an experience report on the development of an online focus group for data collection with teaching nurses linked to the supervised internship of Primary Health Care at a public university in the interior of Ceará, carried out in March 2020. Results the planning phases of the synchronous online focus group were: (1) structuring of the approach; (2) construction of the guide instrument; (3) group composition; and, (4) development of the group process. This provided accessibility, participant adherence, cost reduction, less participant abstention and speed to collect, record and analyze data. A satisfactory result was obtained, standing out as a concrete possibility of data collection technique in qualitative research. Conclusion and implications for practice the data collection strategy through the online focus group can contribute to the construction of knowledge in the health sector and nursing to carry out qualitative research.