Innovations in Mixed Methods Evaluations

Abstract

Mixed methods research—i.e., research that draws on both qualitative and qualitative methods in varying configurations—is well suited to address the increasing complexity of public health problems and their solutions. This review focuses specifically on innovations in mixed methods evaluations of intervention, program or policy (i.e., practice) effectiveness and implementation. The article begins with an overview of the structure, function and process of different mixed methods designs and then provides illustrations of their use in effectiveness studies, implementation studies, and combined effectiveness-implementation hybrid studies. The article then examines four specific innovations: procedures for transforming (or “quantitizing”) qualitative data, applying rapid assessment and analysis procedures in the context of mixed methods studies, development of measures to assess implementation outcomes, and strategies for conducting both random and purposive sampling particularly in implementation-focused evaluation research. The article concludes with an assessment of challenges to integrating qualitative and quantitative data in evaluation research.

Understanding mobile application development and implementation to monitor Posyandu data in Indonesia: a 3-year hybrid action research to build “a bridge” from the community to the national scale

“…This effect can be accompanied by the qualitative research that is embedded with the quantitative research in the view to extend the context of the reasons underlying the quantitative research results. The next cycle can be more complex based on the problem (37). It can be a never-ending cycle for more ultimate improvement.…”

Understanding mobile application development and implementation to monitor Posyandu data in Indonesia: a 3-years hybrid action research to build "a bridge" from community to national use

“…The hybrid approach comprising starting with a qualitative research, then followed by a quantitative research such as to quantify the significance of the implementation effect, which will render it more efficient and effective for the next improvement (action research). This effect can be accompanied by a qualitative research embedded with a quantitative research in the view to deepen the context of the reasons underlying the quantitative research result (23).…”

Evaluation of a computer-assisted multi-professional intervention to address lifestyle-related risk factors for overweight and obesity in expecting mothers and their infants: protocol for an effectiveness-implementation hybrid study

“…A hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial (Type II) is being used to simultaneously collect data on the effectiveness and implementation of the GeMuKi lifestyle intervention [31,32]. This design was selected because there is strong evidence that interventions during pregnancy can effectively improve lifestylerelated risk factors, research indicates that lifestyle counseling during routine check-up visits is feasible in Germany and evidence on implementation of lifestyle interventions during pregnancy is scarce.…”