Abstract
Background: The COBHAM study involved the production of a culturally appropriate intervention to provide information on protective behaviours for people from Black and Asian populations. The intervention comprises an e-leaflet and a 3.5-minute film disseminated via a link in a text message sent from GP Practices. We conducted a preliminary evaluation of this intervention to explore how people from the relevant communities understand and interpret the intervention's messages. Aim: To share our experiences of collecting sensitive qualitative data during the Covid-19 pandemic through entirely remote means. The aim being to convey lessons learned about navigating discussions on contentious issues with participants who have strongly held beliefs. Methods: Potential participants were highlighted through an online survey, which asked for their phone number should they be happy to be contacted for an interview. A member of the research team then contacted potential participants to discuss recruitment to the trial. If in agreement, Microsoft Teams meetings were arranged. Information sheets and consent forms were sent via email. Consent was video-recorded at the start of the interview by asking participants to read and agree to the statements in the consent form. Results: Collecting data from people specifically related to a protected characteristic (in this case ethnicity) on potentially sensitive issues (such as protective behaviours relating to covid transmission) required a high level of sensitivity and self-awareness, which was fully integrated into data collection planning. The rapid expansion of using video-conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams meant that people were generally familiar with their use. Conducting the interviews remotely facilitated a comfortable and safe forum for discussion.