Peer Researchers Working Remotely Online: Experiences and Challenges

Abstract

This case study is a reflective examination of how the peer research approach was implemented remotely and discusses ways of working with peer researchers online. It explores how peer researchers were supported to complete two evaluations remotely, including collecting data online, as a result of Government restrictions put in place following the Coronavirus pandemic. This article examines how study designs were adapted/developed, challenges experienced, and lessons learned. A number of changes had to be made to plans and additional guidance and training via video had to be developed and delivered, including teaching peer researchers how to recruit study participants remotely and set up and undertake interviews and focus groups via video through the use of Microsoft Teams. Training and guidance on how to save data collected online safely and securely were also provided, and the peer researchers were given additional support and guidance to help them undertake thematic analysis remotely. Working remotely was not without its challenges, and several difficulties were encountered. This included not being able to train the peer researchers in online data collection in time for them to finish the interviews they were undertaking for the initial evaluation that had to be moved online, delays in completing and commencing a subsequent evaluation, and access to necessary equipment. These challenges and lessons learned are explored throughout the article.

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