Table 3 Summary table of the end-of-workshop survey results

Overall, how much did you like participating in the Facebook group?

57.1% Liked somewhat (n = 12)

38.1% Liked a great deal (n = 8)

4.8% Neither liked nor disliked (n = 1)

N/A

Did you feel the group was a safe and open environment for you to share your opinions?

95.2% Yes (n = 20)

4.8% No (n = 1)

No (n = 1):

“Facebook in general. I’ve tried to leave it a few times and then I almost didn’t sign up for [this study] as it meant signing into Facebook.” (Rae)

If you did not participate in all of the posts, why not?

N/A, I participated in all: 57.1% (n = 12)

Didn’t answer question: 14.3% (n = 3)

I didn’t have time: 4.8% (n = 1)

I didn’t notice the post: 0%

Other reason: 14.3% (n = 3)

Combination of above reasons: 9.5% (n = 2)

Other reasons:

“Busy schedule” (Paige)

“Booked a last minute holiday” (Rosie)

“I fully intend to go back and respond to those I missed, but sometimes just couldn’t get to them on the day they were posted.” (Jennifer)

“Bereavement and hospital with child. And Facebook being pretty crap on your phone browser. FB want you to use their app.” (Rae)

On average, how did you feel about the length of each post?

An appropriate length: 95.2% (n = 20)

Too long: 4.8% (n = 1)

Too short: 0%

N/A

On average, how did you feel about the time of day that the researcher posted in the group? (typically between 15:30 and 17:30 on weekdays)

The timing of the posts was fine: 85.7% (n = 18)

I wish she had posted earlier in the day: 14.3% (n = 3)

I wish she had posted later in the day: 0%

N/A

On average, how did you feel about the number of posts in the group? (typically 1–2 times per day for 2 weeks, with 2 days without posts 1-week in)

I thought the number of posts was fine: 76.2% (n = 16)

I wish she had posted more often: 14.3% (n = 3)

I wish she had posted less often: 9.5% (n = 2)

N/A

Would you take part in a study like this again?

Yes: 71.4% (n = 15)

Maybe: 28.6% (n = 6)

No: 0%

Yes (selected comments):

“If it helps someone else then it’s always worth doing” (Shannon)

“It was a nice way to do the study - was able to participate at the time that suited me and my schedule each day.” (Poppy)

“Was great to be able to dip in and contribute when had time (normally once the kids were in bed) was good to hea[r] other viewpoints and experiences” (Rebecca)

“Made me reflect and was nice to see others in same position reflect. Nice to think it was helpful for research too.” (Elizabeth)

“I’m always happy to take part in studies to help research into little known conditions such as gd” (Lorena)

“Yes, it’s good to know people want genuine experiences to help others in future and it’s nice to meet like-minded mums” (Irene)

Maybe (selected comments):

“It’s hard to get time when you have two kids under 3 as they want all your attention. Then there’s the dog and husband as well it’s hard even to get time to do a survey.” (Yvonne)

“The study wasn’t as detailed as I expected it to be” (Emily)

“It will depends on what else I have on during the week. I was away for part of the first week and I had to play catch up for some of the posts” (Allie)