Capturing lived experiences remotely: exploring the potential of audio diaries as an innovative qualitative data collection method in crisis contexts

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional qualitative research methods, necessitating innovative approaches to data collection that avoided physical contact. Aim: To introduce and reflect upon audio diaries as a novel qualitative technique for capturing healthcare workers' lived experiences in crisis contexts. Methods: Healthcare professionals in Barcelona, Spain, recorded their thoughts, reflections, and concerns using WhatsApp audio notes. The study was conducted in two phases: the first during the initial pandemic wave (March-July 2020) and the second during a less restrictive period. Results: In the first phase, seven healthcare professionals provided 147 audio entries (2-10 minutes each). In the second phase, five professionals submitted 12 entries (26 seconds to 23 minutes). Audio diaries demonstrated several strengths, including efficiency, authenticity promotion, establishment of an informal therapeutic space, and the capturing of emotional content through voice tonality. Conclusion: Audio diaries offer a valuable alternative for collecting rich, transferable data in situations where traditional face-to-face techniques are not feasible, particularly in crisis contexts. This methodological innovation has implications for future qualitative research, especially in challenging or restricted environments.