Digital methods in healthcare research have been steadily gaining ground but, until recently, were superseded by conventional face-to-face approaches wherever possible. However, the COVID-19 pandemic rendered in-person forms of data collection largely impossible, propelling digital approaches to the forefront. This book offers a digital lens in the participatory perspective of ethnography, a qualitative methodology. A series of chapters from internationally distinguished and rising authors present digital platforms and techniques and apply these to a wide range of healthcare studies. The authors highlight the different aspects of digital research approaches as well as reflecting on and proffering digital approaches to qualitative research for the future. Will these new digital health techniques be embraced, or will researchers be keen to revert to the traditional methods? With its unique approach, this is an invaluable resource for both prospective and experienced qualitative researchers in a broad array of medical and health disciplines.

‘This book explores an array of qualitative research methods under new challenging circumstances resulting from the Covid 19 pandemic impacting on fieldwork settings, researchers, and participants during data collection. The chapters insightfully move beyond the false binary between traditional and digital qualitative methods, and reveal the infinite adaptability of conversational interviews, online digital recordings, and virtual ethnography. The book speaks out for the rich integration of techniques and technologies, operating innovative and creative ways of ‘being there’ in healthcare research through depth theory and resourceful practice for students and future researchers.’Shane Blackman, Canterbury Christ Church University, author of 'Hidden Ethnography': Crossing Emotional Borders in Qualitative Accounts of Young People's Lives