Mixed Methods Research in Health Services
Author Information
Author(s): Alicia O'Cathain, Elizabeth Murphy, Jon Nicholl
Primary Institution: University of Sheffield
Hypothesis
Why and how is mixed methods research used in health services research in England?
Conclusion
Mixed methods research is common in health services research in the UK, driven by the need to address complex health care questions.
Supporting Evidence
- 18% of health services research studies were classified as mixed methods.
- Mixed methods research was used to address a wider range of questions than quantitative methods alone.
- The use of mixed methods was often driven by pragmatism rather than principle.
Takeaway
Researchers use both numbers and stories to understand health care better because health care is complicated.
Methodology
Documentary analysis of 75 mixed methods studies and interviews with 20 researchers.
Potential Biases
Concerns that mixed methods studies may be conducted for funding rather than intrinsic value.
Limitations
The study did not include all mixed methods studies funded by other sources or outside the specified time frame.
Participant Demographics
Researchers from various health services research backgrounds in England.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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