Application of Mixed Methods in Health Services Management Research: A Systematic Review

Shoou Yih D. Lee, Bradley Iott, Jane Banaszak-Holl, Shu Fang Shih, Minakshi Raj, Kimson E. Johnson, Karalyn Kiessling, N’dea Moore-Petinak

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mixed methods research (MMR) is versatile, pragmatic, and adaptable to constraints and opportunities during a research process. Although MMR has gain popularity in health services management research, little is known about how the research approach has been used and the quality of research. We conducted a systematic review of 198 MMR articles published in selected U.S.-based and international health services management journals from 2000 through 2018 to examine the extent of MMR application and scientific rigor. Results showed limited, yet increasing, use of MMR and a high degree of correspondence between MMR designs and study purposes. However, most articles did not clearly justify using MMR designs and the reporting of method details and research integration were inadequate in a significant portion of publications. We propose a checklist to assist the preparation and review of MMR manuscripts. Additional implications and recommendations to improve transparency, rigor, and quality in MMR are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)331-344
Number of pages14
JournalMedical Care Research and Review
Volume79
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

Keywords

  • health services management
  • mixed methods
  • systematic review

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