Challenges Faced by the Researcher in Obtaining an in-Depth Interview from the Participant During Pandemic

Abstract

Kuenzang

Pandemic disrupted both clinical and research activities particularly while performing in-depth interview. An in-depth interview is one of the methods of collecting qualitative (face-to-face in-person) information. While collecting face-to-face in-depth interview during pandemic, researcher was hindered and faced challenges because of movement restrictions and protocol adherence. The challenges were Informed consent translation issues for non-speaking Dzongkha participant, interruption and disruption in-between the face-to- face interview such as ringing of phone and crying of the infant. Also, there was no separate room to conduct face-to-face interview in one of the study sites where both researcher and participant hesitant. The researcher was not allowed to enter in the healthcare unit even after easing the lockdown to collect the information from the potential participant. This paper would aid to develop the ethical guidelines for clinical research during humanitarian emergencies and disaster.

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