Achieve Research Continuity During Social Distancing by Rapidly Implementing Individual and Group Videoconferencing with Participants: Key Considerations, Best Practices, and Protocols

Abstract

The novel coronavirus has upended many traditional research procedures as universities and other research entities have closed to activate social distancing. Some social and behavioral research activities (e.g. data analysis, manuscript preparation) can be continued from other environments with appropriate security protocols in place. For studies involving in-person interactions, continuity may be more difficult. Phone-based interactions provide a low-tech solution that may suffice in some cases. Yet, videoconferencing platforms can nearly replicate in-person interactions, activating both auditory and visual senses and potentially resulting in more substantial engagement. Staff can meet with participants individually or in groups, each seeing and hearing one another in real time. This paper provides guidance for researchers transitioning in-person assessments and interventions to a synchronous videoconferencing platform. Best practices, key considerations, examples from the field, and sample protocols are presented to ease transition for ongoing studies and maximize the potential of videoconferencing-and social distancing.

The Burden of COVID-19 in People Living with HIV: A Syndemic Perspective

“…One way to ensure steady access to care is through telemedicine-a mode in which medical practitioners can provide care to their patients over the phone or through video conferencing [59,60]. This healthcare delivery mode has been successful with some sub-populations of PLWH, including women and smokers [60].…”

“…One way to ensure steady access to care is through telemedicine-a mode in which medical practitioners can provide care to their patients over the phone or through video conferencing [59,60]. This healthcare delivery mode has been successful with some sub-populations of PLWH, including women and smokers [60]. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that economic, geographic inequities, and the digital divide will prevent some PLWH from accessing care via this route due to lack of necessary technology (e.g.…”

“…computer, smartphones, etc.) or adequate internet access, especially among older PLWH [60][61][62][63].…”

Research with Marginalized Communities: Challenges to Continuity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…While adapting the intervention to an online version is critical to maintaining continuity of the research, doing so without time to undertake proper adaptation and training procedures can create unexpected risks and burdens [7]. Using a secure online platform like Zoom often requires technical assistance, as previously stated, and questions about privacy often arise when participants live in shared spaces [19].…”

When Pandemics Call: Community-Based Research Considerations for HIV Scholars

“…Academic institutions have been successfully transitioning to virtual formats for weeks, and many are already conducting research, telehealth services and offering online resources to PLWHIV [18]. Significant variation in needs may exist among community partners during this period.…”