Navigating program evaluation amid health crises: Evaluator's experiences on conducting virtual focus group discussions

Abstract

Virtual Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) have become vital tools in program evaluations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they provide an adaptable alternative to traditional face-to-face methods. These virtual platforms, such as Google Meet, allow evaluators to engage diverse stakeholders and collect valuable insights despite geographical limitations. However, despite their increasing use, there remains a significant gap in understanding how evaluators in South Africa perceive and implement virtual methodologies in the context of program evaluations. This study aims to address this gap by reflecting on evaluators’ experiences with virtual FGDs, focusing particularly on Google Meet as the chosen platform. This research uses a reflective methodology to explore various aspects of virtual FGDs, such as participant engagement, technological proficiency, and data privacy challenges encountered during sessions. The findings reveal that while virtual FGDs provide enhanced accessibility and flexibility, they also present challenges related to participants’ digital literacy, technological infrastructure issues, and data privacy concerns. The study emphasizes the need for strategies to mitigate these challenges, including the provision of pre-session training for participants, enhancing digital infrastructure, and reinforcing data protection measures. Additionally, it recommends the implementation of hybrid models that combine virtual and in-person approaches to bridge the technological divide. This study contributes valuable insights into the experiences of evaluators conducting virtual FGDs in South Africa, offering practical recommendations for improving the effectiveness and inclusivity of virtual evaluations. Ultimately, virtual FGDs hold significant potential to enhance program evaluations in South Africa, but addressing the identified challenges is essential to maximizing their impact on the evaluation process.