OBJECTIVES: Qualitative interviews are an important method for collecting in-depth patient experience data. In-person interviews have typically been considered the gold standard by both researchers and regulators. The Covid-19 pandemic curtailed the ability to conduct in-person interviews and necessitated a move to virtual interviews. Therefore, this research was conducted to consider how this may have affected qualitative research and whether this is a viable option to continue to use moving forward.

METHODS: Over the past 2 years, the authors have conducted or been involved in over 200 virtual interviews. These have been conducted across a range of indications, and across multiple countries, age groups, and ethnic groups. The authors have compared observations of the quality of the interview and resulting data from these 2 modes of interviewing.

RESULTS: Three main observations were made. First, the quality of the interviews and data collected appears to be equal between both methods. No changes to analysis or reporting were needed to compensate for the change in format. Developing rapport virtually did not affect patients’ willingness to share intimate details about their experiences. Second, virtual interviews appear to have significant benefits for patients by eliminating the risk of infection and the burden of travel. In addition, some patients appeared to feel more comfortable sharing information on sensitive topics and/or embarrassing symptoms when not in a face-to-face environment. Third, because familiarity with technology for video calls was enhanced during the pandemic, patients reported minimal, if any, difficulties joining the interview.

CONCLUSIONS: Virtual interviews offer the same quality of data as in-person interviews, reduces burden, mitigates the risks of COVID-19, and have been well accepted by patients and researchers. Regulators appear to be initially responding positively to this approach. It may be that it will become the preferred method for qualitative interviews in this field.