Ethical considerations when conducting joint interviews with close relatives or family: an integrative review

Background: Researchers are obligated to do no harm to
participants of research. Conflicts in relationships can
cause negative well-being; therefore, insight is needed
into the particular ethical considerations that arise when
conducting joint interviews with close relatives or family
members simultaneously in the healthcare setting.
Aim: To collect and share knowledge related to ethical
considerations conducting joint interviews.
Design and methods: A literature review inspired by the
integrative review method was performed. Data were
retrieved through a structured search in PubMed,
CINAHL and the Philosopher’s Index and Academic
Search Premier for articles published in English from
1980 to 2016 and included 18 articles, of a possible 2153.
Article content was assessed line-by-line, and ethical
considerations were extracted and organized in three
subgroups regarding: Planning joint interviews; Conduction
joint interviews and Reporting on joint interviews
Findings: Participants should be offered the best terms for
a constructive, on-going relationship after the joint interview
has ended. This obligates the researcher to ensure a
safe environment during the joint interview and create a
delicate balance between the needs of the participants,
using nonconfrontational techniques that foster equal
and neutral but dedicated attention to all parties, before,
during and after the joint interviews.
Conclusion: Specific ethical considerations should be taken
into account before, during and after joint interviewing.
Further research is needed before a final conclusion can
be drawn.