Discussion: Mixed Methods and Research Reviews

Discussion: Mixed Methods and Research Reviews

Discussion: Mixed Methods and Research Reviews

The research process has been key as a strategy for targeting improved outcomes in many fields, healthcare included. In healthcare specifically, research is used to explore possible treatments of various illnesses and to find novel and innovative ways or strategies of managing patients and offering high-quality care. The implication is that the right research method should be applied depending on the issue at hand. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods form the core of the research process, and therefore, it is imperative that an individual involved in the patient care and research process possess an adequate understanding of the same (Grove & Gray, 2018). Indeed, while some situations based on the problem under probe require the use of qualitative research methods, others would call for the use of a quantitative approach. Yet again, situations arise where a mixed method which entails the integration of both qualitative and quantitative methods, would be best used. As such, the purpose of this discussion is to explore when to use a mixed method approach and whether the mixed approach method is applied in qualitative reviews to support evidence-based practice.

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When to Use a Mixed Method Approach

The use of an integration of qualitative and quantitative research methods or mixed methods has gained prominence in recent times and has been used in health sciences, among other fields. As earlier indicated, the mixed research method entails the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data so as to combine the strengths of both approaches for better results since both approaches have shortcomings (Gray & Grove, 2021). While the quantitative approach entails focusing on divergent and convergent reasoning using numbers and logic, the qualitative approach is applied to enhance an understanding of experiences and feelings. Therefore, combining the two gives an investigator a platform to appropriately answer a research question.

Using the mixed method approach is fundamental in the implementation science and evidence translation, and it is key in coming up with systematic practice. Therefore, mixed methods are used to support high-quality research as randomized controlled trials hence their importance in formulating evidence-based practice in the context of patient care (Gray & Grove, 2021). The mixed method approach is applied to contribute to the implementation research since it gives data on vital components to be integrated to help in obtaining sustainable patient care.

Mixed Methods Application in Systematic Reviews to Support Evidence-Based Practice

            When using mixed research methods, then the researcher has to analyze and conceptualize strategies to be used in quantitative and qualitative data integration. For instance, the traditional epidemiological method, observations, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews would require appropriate translation if the meaning is to be obtained. In such a situation, a mixed-method approach would enable the investigators to gain insight into how a particular intervention works and why the same intervention is required in practice (Gray & Grove, 2021). The approach is also key in enabling professionals to understand what should be adapted in the evidence-based models, as all the EBP models focus on finding solutions to particular problems. In this light, researchers would collect the right information that allows them to understand the impact of environmental factors and patients on the selected model. Again the method is central to the systematic reviews. For example, systematic reviews are key in making healthcare practice changes, and the right information to inform such decisions is obtainable through the mixed method approach.

Conclusion

Qualitative and quantitative research methods are important in nursing research. However, due to the shortcomings evident in both, mixed research methods should be applied for better results. Mixed methods are used to produce dependable evidence, such as those obtained from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.

References

Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. R. (2018). Understanding nursing research e-book: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier

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Chronic pain affects millions of Americans. Diagnosing, treating, and understanding chronic pain creates many challenges for healthcare. Is the challenge on how to properly diagnose and manage a patient’s pain? Or is the challenge on whether or not to prescribe pain medications given the concerns with addiction as a result of the opioid epidemic?

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Consider the questions posed above. How might the use of qualitative and quantitative methods serve to provide answers for researchers regarding the challenges associated with chronic pain? What can qualitative data provide that quantitative data cannot, and vice versa? How might a mixed methods approach fill in the gaps to provide a clearer understanding of the problem and potential solutions?

For this Discussion, reflect on an issue or problem in healthcare that may benefit from a mixed methods approach. Think about the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs, as well as how these two methods might work well together. Consider how a mixed methods approach supports evidence-based practice.
To Prepare:
Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider the differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods.
Consider an example of a topic or issue in nursing in which both qualitative and quantitative research approaches might be necessary,
Reflect on how a mixed methods approach lends itself to evidence-based practice.
By Day 3 of Week 11
Post an explanation of when it might be most useful to use both qualitative and quantitative approaches or mixed methods to support a research design. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain whether a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice. Be specific.

By Day 6 of Week 11
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Suggest an alternative perspective based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.