Mixed method research in nursing-a critical review

Bressan, Valentina and Bagnasco, Annamaria and Aleo, Giuseppe and Timmins, F and Barisone, M and Bianchi, Monica and Pellegrini, R and Sasso, Loredana (2016) Mixed method research in nursing-a critical review. Journal of clinical Nursing. ISSN 1365-2702

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Abstract

AIMS: This paper critically reviews the use of mixed method research in nursing with a particular focus on the extent to which current practice informs nurse researchers. It also aims to highlight gaps in current knowledge, understanding and reporting of this type of research. BACKGROUND: Mixed method research is becoming increasingly popular among nurses and healthcare professionals. Emergent findings from this type of research are very useful for nurses in practice. The combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods provides a scientific base for practice but also richness from the qualitative enquiry. However at the same time mixed method research is underdeveloped. METHODS: This study identified mixed methods research papers and critically evaluated their usefulness for research practice. To support the analysis we performed a two-stage search using CINAHL to find papers with titles that included the key term 'mixed method'. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This paper highlights current gaps in knowledge, understanding and reporting of mixed method research. While these methods are useful to gain insight into clinical problems nurses lack guidance with this type of research. This study revealed that the guidance provided by current mixed method research is inconsistent and incomplete and this compounds the lack of available direction. There is an urgent need to develop robust guidelines for using mixed method research so that findings may be critically implemented in practice. CONCLUSION: An analysis of studies that used mixed method research revealed some inconsistencies in application and reporting. Attempts to use two distinct research methods in these studies often meant that one or both aspects had limitations. Overall methods were applied in a less rigorous way. This has implications for providing somewhat limited direction for novice researchers. There is also potential for application of evidence in healthcare practice that limited validity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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