Mixed Methods in Health Sciences Research

Leslie Curry is an internationally-recognized expert in mixed methods research. For two decades, she has conducted extramurally-funded studies using these methods to examine health care delivery and quality in diverse settings and the scale up of health care innovations, with emphasis on translating her research into policy and practice. Leslie has extensive experience in teaching, mentoring, and consulting on qualitative and mixed methods with a wide range of researchers in the health sciences. She brings this experience to the book in order to include essential information needed to address the questions commonly asked by students and colleagues. Marcella Nunez-Smith is a practicing physician and researcher who has been awarded multiple grants from the U. S. National Institutes of Health and foundations to lead qualitative and mixed methods projects. She brings a unique vantage point as a traditionally-trained health services and clinical researcher who subsequently incorporated mixed methods approaches into her established research portfolio. Marcella also regularly reviews manuscripts and grant applications utilizing these methods. She seeks to bridge her mixed methods knowledge with the pragmatic needs of health sciences researchers.

Part I: Mixed Methods 101 Chapter 1: Definition and Overview of Mixed Methods Designs Definition and Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research Key Factors in Mixed Methods Research Designs Primary Mixed Methods Study Designs Examples From Peer-Reviewed Published Literature Chapter 2: Applications and Illustrations of Mixed Methods Health Sciences Research Relevance of Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences Illustrations From Mixed Methods Studies in the Health Sciences Chapter 3: Determining the Appropriateness and Feasibility of Using Mixed Methods Defining the Nature of the Research Question Developing the Rationale and Aims for a Mixed Methods Study Key Considerations at the Planning Stage of a Project to Determine Feasibility Part II: Getting Mixed Methods Research Funded Chapter 4: Writing a Scientifically Sound and Compelling Grant Proposal for a Mixed Methods Study Before You Write Trends in Funding for Mixed Methods Studies Writing a Mixed Methods Proposal Chapter 5: Examples of Funded Grant Applications Using Mixed Methods Real-World Examples of National Institutes of Health Grant Applications Tips From the Field Chapter 6: Assessing Quality in Mixed Methods Studies The Importance of Research Quality for Different Audiences Common Standards of Quality in Qualitative and Quantitative Research Additional Standards for Quality in Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Studies Examples of Threats to Quality in the Design and Conduct of Mixed Methods Studies Part III: Designing and Implementing a Mixed Methods Study Chapter 7: Sampling and Data Collection in Mixed Methods Studies Principles of Sound Sampling Principles of Sampling in Mixed Methods Studies Practices of Sampling in Mixed Methods Studies Approaches to Data Collection in Mixed Methods Studies Chapter 8: Data Analysis and Integration in Mixed Methods Studies Importance of Integration of Mixed Methods Data Developing a Data Analysis Plan Approaches to Integration in Data Collection and Analysis Implementing Data Integration Integration in Interpreting and Presenting Findings Chapter 9: Managing Mixed Methods Teams Why Think About Mixed Methods Teams? Mixed Methods Teams as Representational Groups Considerations and Guiding Principles for Managing Teams Single Investigator Research Chapter 10: Implementation Issues in Mixed Methods Research Working With Human Research Protection Programs Recommendations for Preparing a Strong Mixed Methods Application for Human Research Protection Program Review Key Issues for Specific Mixed Methods Design Types Implementation Challenges and Strategies From the Field Part IV: Disseminating Findings Chapter 11: Publishing Mixed Methods Studies in the Health Sciences Challenges and Opportunities in Publishing Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences Developing a Publication Strategy and Plan Responding to Peer Reviews for Mixed Methods Studies Example of Letter for Revision and Resubmission

"The content is highly applicable to real life research teams in the areas of clinical research, health services research, and implementation science, providing sound content and practical advice. The authors have synthesized and pull key concepts from a variety of sources to provide a concise resource." -- Linda M. Herrick, South Dakota State University "Everything from the references, to the topics, checklists, conceptual graphic representations, and organizers, interviews, and resources, all contribute to the content and aid with understanding and/or application. ...It addresses specific MM research as it pertains to health sciences in a way that other texts just do not even attempt." -- Denise L. Winsor, University of Memphis "[This text is] a very pragmatic approach to mixed methods research; excellent resources, tables, and figures [are] provided, along with cases and examples of value to researchers and grant reviewers. Its relevance to practice, education, and research, as well as to potential policy implications, is a strong focus that would make this a valued textbook for any researcher!" -- Karen Devereaux Melillo, University of Massachusetts Lowell "The text is cutting edge. It leads the way with its focus on team dynamics. [The authors] succeed in making the book relevant and practical. They also articulate a number of key insights in the area of mixed methods that rarely get addressed, such as teams and conflict. Great read with a lot of good, practical information for mixed methods researchers at all levels. The practical approach of this text makes it an innovative and valuable resource." -- John G. Schumacher, University of Maryland Given the increased use of mixed methods in the health sciences, this text is timely and unique in that it offers a discipline-specific focus that is both relevant and practical... an excellent and valuable resource for all health researchers using mixed methods, regardless of experience. -- David Nelson, Macmillan research fellow, University of Lincoln