Dando testimonio del sufrimiento: Una reflexión sobre el impacto de realizar investigación cualitativa con victimas de trauma

Abstract

Qualitative researchers in the health sciences often engage with participants to collect information about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to a particular research topic. When the topic under investigation involves a traumatic event or experience, listening to, or being exposed to those personal accounts, can carry a significant emotional cost for the mental health of the researcher who can develop secondary trauma. Yet there is limited exploration of the effects of participant trauma on qualitative researchers. This is the focus of the current paper. Objective:  Our goal is to relate how we have approached, experienced, and worked with our partner organization and the goal of better understanding the experiences of frontline providers caring for residents with disabilities living in a community residential setting during a COVID-19 outbreak.  Methods: Using reflection as a qualitative method, we describe our experiences as we undertake this important work. Results: As researchers, navigating sensitive, deeply felt experiences can be difficult. We share an interim offering of our processes and experiences garnering the insights and feelings of frontline providers who lived through the physical and emotional stress of a COVID-19 outbreak. It has required us to be nimble and resourceful, but most critically to be present. Several lessons emerge from this work such as preparing to address a difficult topic, creating a realistic work plan, and creating spaces for reflection in the research team in order to take care of our mental health. Conclusions: Every study is a story. Often the reader wants the final chapter – the conclusion. We aim to illuminate the path we are travelling, as for us it has been and is equally compelling.