Researchers detail methodological approach to creating joint displays of data collection in mixed methods research

Researchers present a methodology for developing joint displays of integrated mixed data collection. These joint displays provide a framework for supporting integration of a mixed methodology in research. Drawing upon a convergent mixed methods cohort study—the Early Discharge of Febrile Neutropenic Children with Cancer Study—the authors constructed a joint display of integrated mixed data collection from a patient/caregiver mixed methods survey instrument and manual medical chart abstraction.

The paper outlines the methodological approach, including iterative steps, and explains how the data display was constructed for the study. It also highlights the features and utility of the joint display.

The integration of qualitative and quantitative information in clinical, prospective, mixed methods cohort studies presents challenges due to the large volume of data and the need for logical organization to enable integrated data analysis. While tailoring joint displays to specific studies can be complex, the authors emphasize that embracing flexible methods allows mixed methods researchers to develop effective joint displays that demonstrate connections between mixed data collection and provide an initial structure for organizing findings.

Integrating qualitative and quantitative data is a challenge for researchers. Joint displays of mixed data collection offer a flexible framework to address this issue. However, there is a lack of methodological papers that provide a detailed understanding of the iterative process involved in constructing a joint display of integrated data collection.

Researchers have developed a step-by-step approach for creating a joint display of integrated data collection, which serves as a powerful tool for conveying the intricate relationships between qualitative and quantitative data. These joint displays enable a comprehensive connection between various components of mixed data collection, facilitating a robust mixed methods analysis that can yield valuable meta-inferences.

The findings are published in The Annals of Family Medicine journal.

More information:
C. Nathan Nessle et al, Joint Display of Integrated Data Collection for Mixed Methods Research: An Illustration From a Pediatric Oncology Quality Improvement Study, The Annals of Family Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1370/afm.2985

Journal information:
Annals of Family Medicine

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