Using mixed methods in health research

Abstract

SummaryMixed methods research is the use of quantitative and qualitative methods in a single study or series of studies. It is an emergent methodology which is increasingly used by health researchers, especially within health services research. There is a growing literature on the theory, design and critical appraisal of mixed methods research. However, there are few papers that summarize this methodological approach for health practitioners who wish to conduct or critically engage with mixed methods studies. The objective of this paper is to provide an accessible introduction to mixed methods for clinicians and researchers unfamiliar with this approach. We present a synthesis of key methodological literature on mixed methods research, with examples from our own work and that of others, to illustrate the practical applications of this approach within health research. We summarize definitions of mixed methods research, the value of this approach, key aspects of study design and analysis, and discuss the potential challenges of combining quantitative and qualitative methods and data. One of the key challenges within mixed methods research is the successful integration of quantitative and qualitative data during analysis and interpretation. However, the integration of different types of data can generate insights into a research question, resulting in enriched understanding of complex health research problems.

“I Am Getting Healthier”. Perceptions of Urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in a Chronic Disease Self-Management and Rehabilitation Program

“…A mixed methodology design was used for this study as this approach is deemed most appropriate and valuable when the focus of the research is multi-faceted and complex [26]. The qualitative methodology comprised a semi-structured interview of 11 questions which were developed using "Most Significant Change (MSC) Theory [27].…”

Measures and Methods for Symptom and Symptom Cluster Assessment in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

“…In mixed methods designs, data can be collected concurrently or sequentially, with the first method used informing the other. 61 Ream and colleagues 37 used a concurrent method to examine fatigue severity and its effects on daily functioning among 22 AYAs (13 to 20 years) who were receiving or had completed cancer treatment. Quantitative fatigue scores indicated high levels of fatigue among the group receiving cancer treatment that declined over time; however, semi-structured interviews discovered that some adolescents continued with significant fatigue that compromised their daily functioning post-therapy.…”

Beweggründe von Krebspatienten für und gegen die Inanspruchnahme der Misteltherapie

“…Dabei wurde das Ziel verfolgt, die Informations-, Fortbildungs- und Beratungssituation zu KM-Verfahren in der Onkologie zu verbessern [16]. Das Teilprojekt nutzte einen Mixed-Methods-Ansatz [17], um die Informations- und Beratungsbedürfnisse von Krebspatienten hinsichtlich KM zu erfassen. Die hier dargestellten Ergebnisse wurden im Rahmen der qualitativen Untersuchung erarbeitet.…”