Applying mixed methods research in evaluating clinical trials

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the decision process that the authors follow in applying mixed methods research to evaluate the benefits and costs of conducting sponsored clinical trials in a publicly funded New Zealand hospital.Design/methodology/approachA simultaneous parallel mixed method design was adopted. This design builds on a health outcomes study that involves a retrospective cohort study of changes in participants' health status and mortality rates. Although a team of medical researchers conducted that study (i.e. the current authors were not involved), it is one of the three strands of the current research as it forms the platform for the other two strands, namely the multiple stakeholder perception strand and the economic outcomes strand. In the multiple stakeholder perceptions strand, qualitative methods were used to explore the benefits and costs perceived by stakeholders. In the economic outcomes strand, quantitative methods were used to estimate the benefits and costs of clinical trials.FindingsThe economic outcomes strand and the multiple stakeholder perceptions strand are complementary. Each strand delivers dimensions to the analysis that are not apparent from the other.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in improved understanding of the process of mixed method research through communicating choices and decisions made in response to the challenges faced.

Qualitative perspectives: through a methodological lens

“…They range from Q methodology that attempts to build a quantitative structure around individuals' opinions (Massingham et al, 2012), to applications of Leximancer software in qualitative data analysis (Crofts and Bisman, 2010). Alongside the explorations of mixed methods already referred to in this paper, papers by De Silva (2011) and Murphy and Maguire (2011) provide accounts and reflections upon these researchers' experience in applying mixed methods to particular projects. Both of these particularly concern themselves with evaluating the costs and benefits they could identify in their implementation of mixed method projects, but argue for the greater insights and knowledge gained as a result.…”

Reinforcing green business strategies with Industry 4.0 and governance towards sustainability: Natural‐resource‐based view and dynamic capability

“…The methodological triangulation incorporates both quantitative and qualitative paradigms. This research strategy offers depth and breadth in interpreting and validating results based on complementary findings (Murphy & Maguire, 2011).…”