Joint Display of Integrated Data Collection for Mixed Methods Research: An Illustration From a Pediatric Oncology Quality Improvement Study

Abstract

PURPOSEResearchers often struggle to integrate quantitative and qualitative data. Joint displays of data collected using mixed methods provide a framework for supporting integration, yet the literature lacks methodologic articles illustrating in detail the iterative nature of constructing such displays. We demonstrate the process for creating a joint display for integrating the collection of data obtained by qualitative and quantitative methods.METHODS Within a convergent mixed methods cohort study, the Early Discharge of Febrile Neutropenic Children with Cancer Study, we constructed a joint display to inform integrated collection of 2 forms of data (quantitative and qualitative) from 2 sources (a patient-caregiver mixed methods survey and a manual abstraction of medical records). RESULTSIn a first step, we used a data sources table to align related quantitative and qualitative data. The resulting table consisted of 2 side-by-side columns based on the mixed survey data. After several additional iterative steps, we constructed a final 6-column joint display. This final display delineated the separate data sources, linked constructs to the quantitative and qualitative variables within each source, and integrated the constructs across the separate data sources.CONCLUSIONS Challenges of integration, though not unique to prospective mixed methods cohort studies, stem from the sheer volume of qualitative and quantitative information and the need to logically organize the data in preparation for integrated data analysis. Tailoring joint displays to specific studies is challenging, but mixed methods researchers who embrace the methodologic malleability can produce effective joint displays to illustrate the mixed data collection linkages and create a preliminary structure ultimately for organizing mixed data findings.

“Better at home”: Mixed methods report of intricacies in pediatric febrile neutropenia management

“…After independent analyses of each data type, a joint display analysis 28 integrated both types of data to determine agreement and discrepancy, guided and informed by the integrated joint display of data collection. 20 Joint displays of results illustrated the data, demonstrated linkage between data type and origin, and then interpretation produced meta-inferences and significance for each theme. A joint display figure was generated (Draw.io software, v20.7.4) to depict the complex relationships of results in the mixed methods survey instrument.…”

“… 19 This observational, convergent mixed methods study used a joint display of integrated mixed methods data collection during study planning, informed by a theoretical framework. 20 The joint display table illustrated how the mixed quantitative and qualitative data from medical chart abstraction and the mixed methods survey instrument were conceptually and thematically related. The study received ethical approval from the University of Michigan institutional review board.…”

“…The theoretical framework and joint display of integrated data collection 20 informed identification of reoccurring themes by an open coding method. 25 Discrepancies were discussed, then the final coded transcript was uploaded into NVivo Pro 11 (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia).…”

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