Ethical Issues when Using Digital Platforms to Perform Interviews in Qualitative Health Research

Abstract

Qualitative studies have become increasingly common and have been used in different fields such as economics, politics, psychology, sociology and health research for different purposes. Instead of collecting numerical data, qualitative research’s goal is to gather information from participant’s experiences and perceptions. One of the tools to get data related to the participants’ experiences in qualitative research is through interviews. One tool that may be helpful for researchers today are digital and video platforms that fall under the domain of the internet-mediated research. The aim of this work is to identify and describe some ethical controversies when using videoconferencing platforms in qualitative health research for interview purposes. Four cases related to the use of digital platforms (videotelephony systems) to conduct interviews in qualitative research were discussed. Rather than give solutions, we reflect upon the possibility and plausibility of using these telecommunication technologies when using the technique of interviews in qualitative research. The ethical issues that may arise when using these technologies are related to privacy, confidentiality, accuracy of information and expertise when using the platforms. We think that the researcher is committed to making the best decisions in favor of the participant when using digital tools to gather information. In this regard, qualitative researchers may be benefited by the reflections we present insofar they may consider these possible scenarios that may rise ethical issues when collecting data. The activity of research needs to be escorted by constant ethical deliberations to protect participants’ rights during the collection of data phase.