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Table 5 Key points, benefits and limitations of each mode:

From: Evaluation of a 'virtual' approach to commissioning health research

 

Virtual mode

Face-to-Face Mode

Key characteristics

Communication through website

Written inputs

Flexible (self timed) inputs

Over a time period

Face-to-face meetings

Spoken inputs

Inputs typically only at meeting

Time limited to meeting plus some paper-based preparation

Advantages/benefits

Written inputs more likely to be carefully considered

Time for reflection

Self managed

Physical presence not needed

Lack of visible (audible) status markers

Generates discussion, ideas

Members can check, clarify and question each other

Can obtain 'soft' information and non-verbal cues

Capacity for on-the-spot reflection

Limitations/problems

Lack of visual cues

Risk of less interactivity, dialogue and group reflection

Can get skewed by powerful/dominant individuals

Physical presence required

Outcomes

(e.g., clarity/range of research topics, quality of research proposals)

Vignettes checked by group

More opportunities to have a say

Voting

Process visible, can be traced

No provision to develop and check outcomes

Lack of time and flexibility

Lack of presence a major gap

Consensus, not always clear

Resource implications

Website design & update Training for CMC

Technical back-up

Possibly higher time costs

Admin/paper distribution

Arranging meetings and venues

Travel costs

Implications for individual members

More flexible use of time

Total time commitment similar to F2F mode

Easier to agree time commitment with employer

Time commitment felt to be significant

For many, commitment has to be agreed with employer