Abstract
Background: Integration is a unique attribute of Mixed Methods Research (MMR). However, some MMR studies, published in the field of physiotherapy and other allied health professions, have illustrated a lack of understanding of the concept of integration.
Aims: The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for integrating elements of mixed methods research in order to effectively support evidence-based practice in health.
Methods: The concept of integration of findings is explained with reference to the author’s recent PhD study, which used a mixed methods exploratory sequential design. This article describes how the author used a narrative joint display to integrate findings from both the qualitative and survey phases of the study. Then, a step-by-step approach is introduced to guide the interpretation and
integration of the findings.
Results: This four-step approach demonstrates integration of the two different datasets: Creating a joint display, linking activity, establishing relationships, and interpreting and reporting. Tables and Figures are used to support detailed description and illustration of the integration process.
Discussion: A joint display provides a visual representation of how the qualitative and quantitative findings in a MMR study can be integrated. In this way, interpretation of the data drawn from this process extend beyond the individual findings of each study component to facilitate a greater understanding of complex health care issues.
Aims: The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for integrating elements of mixed methods research in order to effectively support evidence-based practice in health.
Methods: The concept of integration of findings is explained with reference to the author’s recent PhD study, which used a mixed methods exploratory sequential design. This article describes how the author used a narrative joint display to integrate findings from both the qualitative and survey phases of the study. Then, a step-by-step approach is introduced to guide the interpretation and
integration of the findings.
Results: This four-step approach demonstrates integration of the two different datasets: Creating a joint display, linking activity, establishing relationships, and interpreting and reporting. Tables and Figures are used to support detailed description and illustration of the integration process.
Discussion: A joint display provides a visual representation of how the qualitative and quantitative findings in a MMR study can be integrated. In this way, interpretation of the data drawn from this process extend beyond the individual findings of each study component to facilitate a greater understanding of complex health care issues.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Physiotherapy Theory and Practice |
| Early online date | 7 Sept 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 7 Sept 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Keywords
- Mixed methods research
- guidance
- joint display
- integration