Using the vignette technique to research health communication in linguistically and culturally discordant settings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/qhc.150075Keywords:
Health communication, interviews, machine translation, migration, narratives, translation studies, vignettesAbstract
Background: The linguistic diversity of today’s societies presents challenges to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their linguistic background, can access and understand health information. The vignette technique offers an approach to exploring these challenges and collecting rich data through contextualized scenarios. Aim: To explore the use of the vignette technique for data collection in linguistically and culturally diverse healthcare settings involving migrants. Methods: To contextualize the vignette technique, the article reviews studies that have employed this method for data collection, and illustrates its application through a study that used vignette-based interviews. Results: In the first part of the paper, the rapid scoping review identified recurring topics, research approaches and measured constructs in vignette-based studies. In the second part, through the “Maria” vignette, the paper further illustrated key methodological considerations for applying the vignette technique in future research. Conclusion: While using the vignette technique is not novel in healthcare communication, its use in the context of qualitative interviews with migrants can prove helpful in eliciting individuals’ stories and experiences in high-risk and sensitive contexts.
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