Post an analysis of the utility of mixed methods designs for informing evidence-based
practice. Must be at least 275 words
Applying Mixed methods to Evidence-based practice
Mixed method research is where both qualitative and quantitative data are collected and
analyzed in any sequence the researcher chooses. There are different mixed methods designs,
namely; sequential exploratory, sequential transformative, sequential explanatory, concurrent
triangulation, concurrent nested and concurrent transformative. These designs defer in terms of
timing, analytic log, single or multiphase study, and point of interphase (Hanson et.al, 2005)
Mixed methods are important in evidence-based practice as they help the researchers better
understand a problem by converging quantitative and qualitative data. They also assist in
identifying variables that can be measured through the use of existing instruments or through
development of new ones. Researchers are also able to obtain data and results from a sample
population and use them to identify individuals who can expand on the results by use of
qualitative data. They also help in complementing qualitative and quantitative data (Glasziou,
Del Mar, & Salisbury, (2007).
Evidence based practice is an integration of available evidence with clinical expertise. It
enables the health care professionals to investigate healthcare issues with an evaluative and
qualitative approach. They are able to assess health care information in form of research and
guidelines to assist them in identifying best quality and low quality results. The steps followed in
evidence based research include formulating a question, identifying recourses that answer the
question, appraising the evidence and testing its validity. The final step is applying the evidence
Applying Mixed methods to Evidence-based practice 2
and re-evaluating the application of evidence and identifying areas that need improvement
(Mixed methods as applied in evidence based practice assists health science researchers such as
psychiatrists and psychologists to study new questions and initiatives. They also study hard-to-
measure issues, and interactions in specific, everyday settings and complicated phenomena.
REFERENCES
Glasziou, P.P, Del Mar, C. & Salisbury, J. (2007) Evidence-Based Practice Workbook
Hanson, E. W. et.al (2005) Mixed Methods Research Designs in Counseling Psychology Journal
of Counseling Psychology