Importance of Mixed Methods in Pragmatic Trials and Dissemination and Implementation Research
Importance of Mixed Methods in Pragmatic Trials and Dissemination and Implementation Research
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DOI：
10.1016/j.acap.2013.06.010
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发表时间：
2013-09-01
影响因子：
3.1
通讯作者：
Kempe, Allison
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Albright, Karen;Gechter, Katherine;Kempe, Allison
随着人们越来越关注将研究转化为临床实践和政策的重要性，近年来出现了特定类型研究的激增，包括实用试验和传播和实施研究。此类研究旨在了解干预措施在现实环境中是如何以及为什么起作用的，而不是在研究研究之外不太可能重复的高度控制的环境中。由于了解实施干预措施的背景对有效的务实试验以及传播和实施研究至关重要，因此使用混合方法对于了解试验结果和实施工作的成败至关重要。本文讨论了混合方法研究的多个维度，利用至少一种定性方法和至少一种定量方法，这可能有助于设计项目或准备拨款提案。虽然定性和定量方法的优势和重点有很大的不同，但方法可以以各种方式结合起来，以达到比单独使用一种方法所能达到的更深层次的理解。然而，研究人员必须了解何时以及如何整合数据，以及每种方法的适当顺序、优先级和目的。在当今竞争激烈的资助环境中，证明对混合方法研究的基本原理和好处的理解的能力越来越重要，许多资助机构现在希望申请人在提案中包括混合方法。对混合方法研究日益增长的需求需要更广泛的方法培训和加深医学、临床和社会科学家之间的合作。虽然在进行和传播混合方法研究方面仍然存在一些挑战，但这种工作产生洞察力的潜力是巨大的。
With increased attention to the importance of translating research to clinical practice and policy, recent years have seen a proliferation of particular types of research, including pragmatic trials and dissemination and implementation research. Such research seeks to understand how and why interventions function in real-world settings, as opposed to highly controlled settings involving conditions not likely to be repeated outside the research study. Because understanding the context in which interventions are implemented is imperative for effective pragmatic trials and dissemination and implementation research, the use of mixed methods is critical to understanding trial results and the success or failure of implementation efforts. This article discusses a number of dimensions of mixed methods research, utilizing at least one qualitative method and at least one quantitative method, that may be helpful when designing projects or preparing grant proposals. Although the strengths and emphases of qualitative and quantitative approaches differ substantially, methods may be combined in a variety of ways to achieve a deeper level of understanding than can be achieved by one method alone. However, researchers must understand when and how to integrate the data as well as the appropriate order, priority, and purpose of each method. The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for and benefits of mixed methods research is increasingly important in today's competitive funding environment, and many funding agencies now expect applicants to include mixed methods in proposals. The increasing demand for mixed methods research necessitates broader methodological training and deepened collaboration between medical, clinical, and social scientists. Although a number of challenges to conducting and disseminating mixed methods research remain, the potential for insight generated by such work is substantial.