Pretesting Qualitative Data Collection Procedures to Facilitate Methodological Adherence and Team Building in Nigeria

Authors

  • Samantha Hurst, PhD, MA University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
  • Oyedunni S. Arulogun, PhD, MPH University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State,
  • Mayowa O. Owolabi, MBBS, MSc, DM, FMCP University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State,
  • Rufus Akinyemi, MBBS, MSc, MWACP, FMCP Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Ezinne Uvere, MPH University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
  • Stephanie Warth, BS Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
  • Bruce Ovbiagele, MD, MSc, MAS Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Abstract

Qualitative methods are becoming widely used and increasingly accepted in biomedical research involving teams formed by experts from developing and developed practice environments. Resources are rare in offering guidance on how to surmount challenges of team integration and resolution of complicated logistical issues in a global setting. In this article we present a critical reflection of lessons learned and necessary steps taken to achieve methodological coherence and international team synergy. A series of 10 pretest interviews were conducted to assess instrumentation rigor and formulate measures to address any limitations or threats to bias and management procedures before carrying out the formal phase of qualitative research, contributing to an evidence-based stroke-preventive care clinical trial study. The experience of pretesting notably helped to identify obstacles and thus increase the methodological and social reliability central to conducting credible qualitative research, while also ensuring both personal and professional fulfillment of our team members.

Author Biographies

Samantha Hurst, PhD, MA, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California

Department of Family & Preventive Medicine Assistant Project Scientist

Oyedunni S. Arulogun, PhD, MPH, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State,

Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine Associate Professor

Mayowa O. Owolabi, MBBS, MSc, DM, FMCP, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State,

Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, and College of Medicine Senior Lecturer

Rufus Akinyemi, MBBS, MSc, MWACP, FMCP, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology Consultant Neurologist

Ezinne Uvere, MPH, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences Research Coordinator

Stephanie Warth, BS, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Department of Neurosciences, Division of Neurology Program Coordinator

Bruce Ovbiagele, MD, MSc, MAS, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Department of Neurosciences, Division of Neurology Professor and Chairman

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Published

2015-02-10

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Articles