EBP Week 8 Mixed Methods Research Designs

Convergent Parallel Design

  • Used to obtain different but complementary data on a topic.
  • Purpose: To combine the strengths of each type of data.
  • Data Collection: Both quantitative and qualitative data are collected simultaneously.
  • Study Components:
    • Cross-sectional data (survey).
    • Focus group data.
    • In-depth interviews.
  • Timing: All data collected concurrently.
  • Analysis: Results of each data type are brought together for analysis.
  • Example: A local community health center conducting a healthcare needs study using multiple data types.

Explanatory Sequential Design

  • Description: A two-phased study.
  • Phase 1: Collection of quantitative data to address the study's questions.
  • Phase 2: Collection of qualitative data to explain or build on the initial quantitative results.
  • Example Study: Retention of older healthcare workers (Hodgkin et al., 2017).
  • Background:
    • Staff shortages exist in the Australian health sector.
    • A large number of baby boomers are approaching retirement.
    • Exploring barriers and incentives for retaining older workers is critical.
  • Overall Research Question: What are the organizational and social factors that impact on the retirement intentions of healthcare workers aged 55 years and over?
  • Phase 1 Details:
    • Participants: n = 299
    • Data Collection: Survey.
    • Measures:
      • Demographic variables.
      • Retirement intentions.
      • Effort-reward imbalance measure.
      • General health measure.
  • Phase 2 Details:
    • Participants: n = 17
    • Data Collection: In-depth interviews.
    • Focus: Exploring both retention and retirement intentions to explain quantitative findings.

Exploratory Sequential Design

  • Description: Begins with and prioritizes qualitative data.
  • Process: Results of the first (qualitative) stage are used to develop the second (quantitative) stage.
  • Premise: Exploration of an issue or concept is required first.
  • Usefulness: Developing theories or concepts when measures or instruments are not available.
  • Example Study: Dellemain, Hodgkin & Warburton, 2017 – development of a practice theory for rural case management.
  • Rationale: Limited research exists on the impact of rurality on case management, particularly in the Australian context.
  • Design: Qualitative dominant, sequential, exploratory mixed-method design.
  • Aim: To develop community-based rural case management practice theory.

Embedded Design

  • Description: A mixed-method approach used to enhance understanding when a single dataset is insufficient.
  • Function: Different types of data provide a supportive secondary role to offset limitations.
  • Example Study: Workflow and work patterns in Australian residential aged care facilities (Hodgkin, Warburton & Savy, 2012).
  • Research Focus: Accurately reporting and documenting activities undertaken by the healthcare workforce (e.g., division 1 nurse, division 2 nurse, allied health practitioner, ward clerk).
  • Quantitative Data Collection: Structured observation technique over a two-hour period to document each role and the time taken for each activity.
  • Qualitative Data Collection: Structured interviews with key personnel.
  • Purpose of Qualitative Data: To provide crucial contextual data to explain factors such as:
    • Staff shortages for particular roles.
    • Qualifications held by staff in particular roles.
    • How the layout of the facility affected a task.