Email-facilitated qualitative interviews with traumatic brain injury survivors: a new and accessible method

Abstract

Primary objective: To trial the method of email-facilitated qualitative interviewing with people with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Research design: Qualitative semi-structured email-facilitated interviews.

Procedures: Nineteen people (17 severe diagnosis) with a TBI participated in email interviews.

Main outcomes and results: Findings indicate that this method facilitates the participation of people with TBI in qualitative interviews. Advantages include increased time for reflection, composing answers and greater control of the interview setting. In addition, the data indicates that people with a TBI are capable of greater insight, reflection and humour than indicated by previous research.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that new technologies may advance data collection methods for people with cognitive-linguistic impairments who face participation barriers in face-to-face interviews.