Asynchronous online focus groups

An asynchronous online focus group (AOFG) is a qualitative research method. A group of participants, such as patients, caregivers, or healthcare professionals, engage in a moderated discussion on a specific health-related topic over a period of time, typically a few days or weeks. This is conducted by using a digital bulletin board method, using a range of potential platforms, where participants can post and respond to comments at their convience, until the focus group closes. Unlike traditional, in-person focus groups or synchronous online focus groups (which occur in real-time), AOFGs do not require participants to be online at the same time. The advantages of AOFGs include the convience for participants to respond, by hosting the group online and not having to allign all participants together at once. This may make engagement easier for the focus group. However, limitations include the need for clear expectations of how the AOFG will run, and challenges in encouraging discussion between participants.