Using Online Self-Management Diaries for Qualitative Research

Diaries are an underutilized tool in qualitative research addressing self-management. The “real time” data offered by the diaries provide opportunity to capture details of self-management that otherwise may be missed during interview. purpose this study is describe feasibility using for capturing post-treatment cancer survivors. questions (1) how did participants engage with diary? (2) what were participants’ evaluations and (3) use affect interviews interview collected? We conducted a descriptive study, which comprised diary semi-structured components explore survivors’ activities. Participants individuals diagnosed head neck or colorectal cancers at ages ≥18 years old who had completed primary treatment between 2–10 prior. instructions directed document their activities daily 1 week before scheduled Data analyzed thematic analysis. results showed fifteen n = 9 all 7 days detailed information regarding A majority ( 13) found easy use. few 3) shared individual-level challenges including preferring over several months, difficulty finding time document, putting thoughts into words. Suggestions promote completion future included allowing either only day them summary weekly routine activities, sending reminders, having more specific prompts. For diary, we able customize questions, enhanced richness captured greater complexity time. Using can customization facilitate rich data.