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Case
Abstract
Recruitment, training, and support of field interviewers (FIs) are critical to the success of a research team in order to collect quality data. However, there are unique challenges when FIs, supervisors, and research team staff are located throughout the United States and data collection occurs over multiple years and in multiple languages and cultures. This article describes one mixed-methods longitudinal research team’s approach to recruiting, training, supporting, and retaining a strong team of remote FIs in order to successfully collect in-person interview survey data with caregivers about their experiences with their newborn babies at multiple timepoints. The steps that this research team took facilitated strong retention, relationship building, and communication among families, FIs, and research team staff. Based on these approaches, we outline specific strategies and lessons learned for future teams to consider when leading teams of remote FIs and research teams.
