REMOTE PHENOMENOLOGICAL INTERVIEW AS A POTENTIAL APPROACH FOR METHODOLOGICAL PRACTICE IN NURSING RESEARCH

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the potential and methodological rigor of remote phenomenological interviews as a data collection strategy in nursing research. Method: this is a qualitative study using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Individual online interviews were conducted with 27 nursing faculty members from Brazil’s five regions between November 2022 and May 2023. Analysis was based on the hermeneutic circle, focusing on the pre-understanding stage. Results: the phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis revealed two units of meaning: approaching the nurse-educator and the phenomenological encounter with the nurse-educator. This process involved the interviewer’s intentional preparation, strategies for establishing an authentic bond in the virtual space, openness to sensitive listening, and maintenance of methodological rigor to unveil the phenomenon. Conclusion: remote phenomenological interviewing proved to be a viable and rigorous methodological option for qualitative nursing research, while upholding the foundations of hermeneutic phenomenology. The virtual format sustained openness to the phenomenon, facilitated the unveiling of meanings, and maintained interpretive depth, while expanding geographic reach and logistical feasibility, even beyond pandemic-related contexts.