NURS 8201 Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice

The use of qualitative methods serves to provide answers for researchers regarding the challenges associated with chronic pain by assessing the views and opinions of medical practitioners, patients, and community members. The approach implies understanding human behavior from the perspective of informants (Lewis, 2015). Therefore, the data generates personal thoughts and ideas about challenges associated with chronic pain. In its turn, quantitative methods focus on the facts about social occurrence (Yardley & Bishop, 2015). It relies on statistical inferences and numerical comparisons to find answers to the questions at hand (Shorten & Smith, 2017). In this case, the method synthesizes the previous and the current statistics to examine the effect of certain methods used to treat chronic pain.

A mixed method approach is more than collecting and analyzing data. Instead, it involves the use of both qualitative and quantitative designs in tandem to strengthen the research findings (Guetterman et al., 2015). A combination of both types of data will provide more insight into the causes, prevalence, and challenges associated with the management of chronic pain. It will derive localized or community understanding of chronic pain based on common beliefs, practices, and lifestyle. As a result, a researcher or a medical professional will be able to develop patient or community-centered evidence-based interventions for chronic pain treatment.

Mixed method is preferred in studies that rely on both numerical and non-numerical data. It might be most useful to use both qualitative and quantitative approaches to support a research design when addressing complex, multifaceted problems like health services interventions (Regnault et al., 2018). For instance, the research on child maltreatment may use quantitative data to determine the rate at which children are being mistreated while qualitative data may be used to suggest possible solutions. Therefore, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies have the potential to support evidence-based practices.

References

Guetterman, T. C., Fetters, M. D., & Creswell, J. W. (2015). Integrating quantitative and qualitative results in health science mixed methods research through joint displays. The Annals of Family Medicine, 13(6), 554-561. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1865

Lewis, S. (2015). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Health Promotion Practice, 16(4), 473-475. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524839915580941

Regnault, A., Willgoss, T., & Barbic, S. (2018). Towards the use of mixed methods inquiry as best practice in health outcomes research. Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes, 2(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41687-018-0043-8

Shorten, A., & Smith, J. (2017). Mixed methods research: Expanding the evidence base. Evidence-Based Nursing, 20(3), 74-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/eb-2017-102699

Yardley, L., & Bishop, F. L. (2015). Using mixed methods in health research: Benefits and challenges. British Journal of Health Psychology, 20(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12126

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The mixed-method encompasses both qualitative and quantitative methods. The mixed-method has become common in recent times due to the growing complexity of nursing (Campbell, Tam-Tham, Dhaliwal, Manns, Hemmelgarn, Sanmartin, & King-Shier, 2017). An example of a mixed-method can be demonstrated by research conducted to determine the stress levels of nurses in a psychiatric ward. The research would first involve a quantitative approach, which will entail the collection of data based on the level of stress of the participants. A 5-point Likert scale could be deployed to measure the level of stress. The data could then be analyzed using quantitative statistical methods such as mean, mode, standard deviation, and t-test to determine whether the stress levels are normal. Once the quantitative study has been completed, a qualitative study could be carried out to assess nurses’ experiences in the psychiatric ward that could result in escalated stress levels. Data could be collected using interviews. The data analysis could involve determining topics and drawing relevant themes (Campbell et al., 2017).

NURS 8201 Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice

The mixed method has several advantages in research. First, the research can quantify data and further explore other relevant themes that a quantitative study cannot determine. This results in better enrichment of evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the research question (Oliveira, Magalhães, & MisueMatsuda, 2018). The other advantage is that participants can give more details in a mixed-method hence more accurate research. The mixed method also has several limitations. The first limitation is its complexity. The method requires thorough training to ensure researchers conduct the exercise effectively. The other limitation is that it might require more resources. Additional personnel and lengthy research periods could be witnessed in the mixed method compared to the single methods. A multidisciplinary team might also be required to conduct the research. The multidisciplinary team might not be readily available.

References

Campbell, D. J., Tam-Tham, H., Dhaliwal, K. K., Manns, B. J., Hemmelgarn, B. R., Sanmartin, C., & King-Shier, K. (2017). Use of mixed methods research in research on coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension: a scoping review. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 10(1), e003310.

Oliveira, J. L. C. D., Magalhães, A. M. M. D., & MisueMatsuda, L. (2018). Métodos mistos na pesquisa em enfermagem: possibilidades de aplicação à luz de Creswell. Texto & Contexto-Enfermagem, 27(2).

This is insightful. The use of mixed-methods in nursing is becoming more common than ever before. Nurses are faced with an increasingly complex world, but they still need to take care all their patients’ needs and wants; this means employing both qualitative research methods like observation or interviews on one side–as well quantitative approaches such A systematic review which can then lead into data collection(quant) (Oliveira et al., 2018). There are both advantages and disadvantages to using mixed qualitative and quantitative research methods in healthcare. On the one hand, using a mix of methods can help to provide a more complete picture of what is happening with patients and their care (Headley & Plano, 2020). On the other hand, there can be some disadvantages to using a mix of methods, including:

– Increased complexity: The use of multiple methods can make it more difficult to understand the data and draw conclusions from it.

– Increased time and effort: Using multiple methods can require more time and effort than using a single method (McCrudden & Marchand, 2020).

– Potential for bias: When different methods are used, it is possible for the results to be biased in favor of one method or another.

Question: How does the application of mixed methods, qualitative and quantitative study affect the quality of the research outcomes?

References

Headley, M. G., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2020). Multilevel mixed methods research designs: Advancing a refined definition. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 14(2), 145-163. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689819844417

McCrudden, M. T., & Marchand, G. (2020). Multilevel mixed methods research and educational psychology. Educational Psychologist, 55(4), 197-207. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2020.1793156

I enjoyed reading your post. There are seven dimensions to the mixed methods design, and they include: purpose, theoretical drive, timing (simultaneity and dependency), point of integration, typological versus interactive design approaches, planned versus emergent design, and design complexity (Schoonenboom & Johnson, 2017).

You touched on some of the advantages of the mixed method, and some other advantages of this design include: it helps to clarify and formulate the problem statement, as well as the most appropriate ways to study and theorize research problems, the multiplicity of observations produces more varied data: diverse sources and types of data, contexts, or environments and analyzes are considered, theoretical creativity is enhanced, and they support scientific inferences more robustly than if they are used in isolation (Javed, 2021). A disadvantage of using the mixed method is how to resolve discrepancies that arise in the interpretation of the of the results (Javed, 2021).

According to Javed (2021), there are four main mixed methods researches, and they include the sequential explanatory method (involves the collection and analysis of quantitative data), the sequential exploratory method (involves the collection and analysis of qualitative data), the concurrent triangulation strategy (uses only one data collection phase, during which the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data are carried out separately), and concurrent nesting (only one data collection phase is used, during which one predominant method (quantitative or qualitative) nests the less priority method (quantitative or qualitative, respectively).

References

Javed, A. (2021). Advantages of Mixed Methods Research/Types/Disadvantages. Retrieved from https://englopedia.com/advantages-of-mixed-methods-research/

Schoonenboom, J., Johnson, R.B. (2017). How to Construct a Mixed Methods Research Design. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5602001/

Integrating homeopathic medicine in the ICU

For as long as I can remember, working here in the government hospital that provides a multidisciplinary centered care towards a multicultural population (i.e. Micronesians, Asians, etc.), I can safely say that most nurses are well representing their patient when it comes to homeopathic medication regimens. I have noticed that some patients have asked the nurses and the physicians about the incorporation of homeopathic medications into their regimen and most physicians are not well adapted into accepting into their current practice. In addition, about 50% of the nurse ratios understand the importance of accepting the incorporation of homeopathic medications into their regimen, just as along as it does not complication or provide an adverse reaction with their current plan of care. Overall, I wanted to understand the importance of combining conventional therapies alongside alternative practices to help control uncomfortable symptoms and understand why most healthcare physicians are not susceptive to accepting integrative medicine.

The homeopathic medications are considered alternative or complementary forms of therapy that some patients use. According to Eldridge (2021), homeopathic medicine are considered “like cures” in small amount may provide protection and/or reduce symptoms from their current illness. Some examples of homeopathic medications include the use of multivitamins, over the counter medications, immunity supplements, and the use of essential oils (Micronesian islands). Although, the ideas of implementing these homeopathic medications in their current medical regimen while being treated in an acute care setting can be frowned upon, as a DNP prepared nurse, it is our role to determine what may work best for our patients and would increase medical compliance.

Treatments of chronic diseases has become an enabling a holistic approach and improving the patient to physician relationship of therapy that would assist in chronic disease ailments. However, there is still little studies done on homeopathy in treatment of acute disease; often due to lack of study and a knowledge gap that is responsibility for the inability and fear in treating acute disease processes. I understand how physicians feel about incorporating homeopathic therapy in a fast paced environment that deals with life and death, with little time to act, however, what initially sparked my interest is that a physician that I worked with in the ICU is not opposed to incorporating homeopathic therapies that may help the patient feel comfortable. Also, there is now an increasing dissemination worldwide on various types of complementary and alternative medicine; ones that should and can be used as complementary treatment in all healthcare fields. As a nurses, we often are in the middle or representing our patients on their road to recovery, as long as their believed homeopathic treatments do not interfere with western medicine.

Appropriate research development in homeopathy and the nature of its existing research evidence needs to be examined objectively and with transparency. One way to approach this study is through a mix method approach. It is a type of research method in which researchers collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative within the same study. According to Shorten & Smith (2022), mixed methods draw potential strengths on both qualitative and quantitative methods, both allowing to explore diverse perspectives and uncover relationships that exist between the intricate layers of multifaceted research question. This an essential step in the mixed method is the data linkage and integration at an appropriate stage in the research process.

In a mixed method systematic review done by Mathie et.al. (2017), individualized homeopathic treatment versus placebo evaluation of interventions allocated to each participant. Quantitative studies were done using systematic literature of about 533 record search to identify different randomized control trials (RCT) that compared homeopathy with a placebo, for any clinical condition. The qualitative part of the study included two sub groups that included N=75 participants of random data including demographics: gender, age, and medical condition; in a six month trial. This study included 54 different randomized trials of homeopathic medication use and of the 31 continuous trials; none had an effect statistically significantly favoring homeopathy and no trials favored the placebo. In the 23 trials of dichotomous data, about six had an effect statistically significant favoring homeopathy. As a result, all subgroups favored homeopathy as an investment when dealing with their acute or chronic diseases.

Reference(s):

Eldridge, L. (2021). What homeopathic medicine? VeryWell Health. Retrieved from

https://www.verywellhealth.com/homeopathic-medicine-description-2249111

Mathie, R., Ramparasad, N., Legg, L., Clausen, J., Moss, S., Davidson, J…McConnachie, A.

(2017). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of non-individualized homeopathic treatment: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Journal. 6(36). Retrieved from https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-017-0445-3

Shorten, A. & Smith, J. (2022). Mixed methods research: Expanding the evidence base. BMJ

Journals. 20(3). Retrieved from https://ebn.bmj.com/content/20/3/74

NURS 8201 Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice