Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in a nursing study, also known as mixed methods research, has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of mixed methods research

• Provides a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem. Qualitative and quantitative methods can provide different perspectives on the same phenomenon, allowing researchers to gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding. For example, a quantitative study might be used to assess the prevalence of a problem, while a qualitative study might be used to explore the experiences of people who are affected by the problem.
• Increases the validity and reliability of the research findings. By triangulating findings from different methods, researchers can reduce the risk of bias and increase the confidence that their findings are accurate and reproducible.
• Can be used to answer a wider range of research questions. Qualitative and quantitative methods are complementary, and can be used to answer a wide range of research questions, from descriptive to explanatory to evaluative.
• Can be used to engage with different stakeholders. Qualitative and quantitative methods can be used to engage with different stakeholders, such as patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. This can help to ensure that the research findings are relevant and useful to those who need them most.

Disadvantages of mixed methods research

• Can be more complex and time-consuming to conduct. Mixed methods research requires researchers to have expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods. It can also be more time-consuming to collect and analyze data from two different methods.
• Can be more difficult to interpret the results. Mixed methods research can generate a large amount of data, which can be difficult to interpret. Researchers need to be skilled at integrating findings from different methods to draw meaningful conclusions.
• May require more resources. Mixed methods research may require more resources, such as funding and staff time, than single-method research.

Current evidence-based literature on mixed methods research in nursing

A growing body of evidence supports the use of mixed methods research in nursing. For example, a 2022 review of mixed methods research in nursing found that mixed methods studies were more likely to produce high-quality evidence than single-method studies. The review also found that mixed methods studies were more likely to address complex research questions and to have an impact on practice and policy.

Here are some specific examples of how mixed methods research has been used in nursing studies:

• A mixed methods study was used to explore the experiences of patients with chronic pain. The study found that patients experienced a range of physical, psychological, and social challenges. The study also identified a number of factors that helped patients to cope with their pain.
• A mixed methods study was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a new educational program for nurses on the prevention of falls in older adults. The study found that the program was effective in reducing the number of falls among patients in the intervention group. The study also identified a number of challenges to implementing the program in practice.
• A mixed methods study was used to develop a new intervention for improving the quality of life of patients with dementia. The study found that the intervention was effective in improving patients’ mood, cognitive function, and social engagement.

Overall, mixed methods research is a valuable tool for nursing research. It can be used to answer a wide range of research questions, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of research problems, and to increase the validity and reliability of research findings. However, it is important to note that mixed methods research can be more complex and time-consuming to conduct than single-method research.

Additional considerations for using mixed methods research in nursing

• It is important to carefully consider the research question(s) when deciding whether to use mixed methods research. Mixed methods research is most appropriate for answering complex research questions that cannot be adequately answered with a single method.
• Researchers need to have expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to conduct mixed methods research effectively. There are a number of resources available to help researchers learn about mixed methods research, such as training courses, books, and journal articles.
• Mixed methods research can be more resource-intensive than single-method research. Researchers need to carefully consider the resources that they have available when planning a mixed methods study.

Conclusion

Mixed methods research is a valuable tool for nursing research. It can be used to answer a wide range of research questions, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of research problems, and to increase the validity and reliability of research findings. However, it is important to carefully consider the research question(s), the researcher’s expertise, and the available resources when deciding whether to use mixed methods research.