Many clinical practice issues are sufficiently complicated that neither a purely quantitative or qualitative approach can generate a comprehensive perspective of the issue. Particularly for investigating evaluative questions—such as the effectiveness of a program or treatment or the impact of a policy—some combination of quantitative and qualitative methods can be much more illuminating than relying on one method alone.
In this Discussion, you consider the use of a mixed-methods design in health care research studies.
To prepare:
- With the Learning Resources in mind, and reflecting on what you have explored throughout this course, consider the benefits of using a mixed-methods research approach.
- Brainstorm nursing practice situations in which using a mixed-methods design would be beneficial. Select one situation to focus on for the purposes of this Discussion. Consider how the quantitative and qualitative data would complement one another to provide a richer analysis and conclusion.
- Also consider the challenges you might encounter in using a mixed-methods approach: data collection, analysis, or synthesis of qualitative and quantitative findings.
By tomorrow November 7, 2017 write 550 words essay in APA format with at least 3 references from the list below. Apply the level one headings as numbered below:
Post a cohesive response to the following:
- Briefly explain your selected situation and why utilizing a mixed-methods approach would be beneficial.
- Evaluate how the quantitative and qualitative data would complement one another.
- Discuss the challenges you might encounter in using mixed methods for the situation you selected and how would you address these challenges.
Required Media
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Research methods for evidence-based practice: Mixed methods: An example.Baltimore, MD: Author.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 12 minutes.
In this week’s video, the presenter discusses the benefits of using mixed methods research and shares examples of studies she has conducted.
Required Readings
Chow, M. Y., Quine, S., & Li, M. (2010). The benefit of using a mixed methods approach—quantitative with qualitative—to identify client satisfaction and unmet needs in an HIV healthcare centre. AIDS Care, 22(4), 491–498.
This article offers insight into a cross-sectional study that utilizes both quantitative and qualitative research to assess HIV client satisfaction with health care.
Esposito, D., Taylor E. F., & Gold, M. (2009). Using qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate small-scale disease management pilot program. Population Health Management, 12(1), 3–15.
This article describes a multi-method approach to stimulate interest in disease management programs by seeking to improve the quality of care for Medicaid beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions.
Goboury, I., Boon, H., Verhoef, M., Bujold, M., Lapierre, L. M., & Moher, D. (2010). Practitioners’ validation of framework of team-oriented practice models in integrative health care: A mixed methods study. BMC Health Services Research, 10, 289.
This article discusses the methods and results of an empirical study attempting to validate the Models of Team Health Care Practice (MTHP) framework through the use of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
Onwuegbuzie, A. J., Johnson, R. B., & Collins, K. M. (2009). Call for mixed analysis: A philosophical framework for combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3(2), 114–139.
This article provides a philosophical justification of the use of mixed methods in research studies. The article compares solely qualitative or quantitative works to mixed research approaches to illustrate how mixed methods promote richer results and deeper analyses.
Ostlund, U., Kidd, L., Wengstrom, Y., & Neneh, R. (2011). Combining qualitative and quantitative research within mixed method research designs: A methodological review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 48(3), 369–383. doi: 10.1016/j.ihnurstu.2010.10.005
This study explores the many popular approaches to mixed methods of health care research studies. These approaches are used to bridge the gap between theory and empirical findings and include parallel analysis, concurrent analysis, and sequential analysis.
Polit, D. F., & Tatano-Beck, C. (2010). Generalization in quantitative and qualitative research: Myths and strategies. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 47(11), 1451–1458. doi: 10.1016/j.inurstu.2010.06.004
This article discusses three models of generalization in both quantitative and qualitative research, including classic sample-to-population, analytics generalization, and case-to-case transfer. The article also recommends other approaches, such as planned replication, systematic reviews, and thick description.
Uhlig, T., Fongen, C., Steen, E., Christie, A., & Odegard, S. (2010). Exploring Tai Chi in rheumatoid arthritis: A quantitative and qualitative study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 11, 43.
This article explains the results of a mixed-methods study on the results of Tai Chi on the overall health of female rheumatoid arthritis patients. The results indicated improved muscle function as well as increased confidence in moving and balance and less pain in daily life among the 15 subjects studied.
