Mixed-Methods Research in Wellbeing and Health

Description

Mixed-Methods Research in Wellbeing and Health brings together nine examples of high-quality research into wellbeing and health using a range of mixed methods. Research that employs mixed methods can yield robust data that is both more reliable and valid than that arising from a single-method approach. Mixed-methods research is a vital component in responding to recent changes to the more complex needs of an increasingly diverse society and its health sector. This book covers how mixed-methods research can be designed creatively and applied sensitively in the context of wellbeing and health research. The editors have included a set of bespoke questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. The expert editorial commentary highlights the benefits and methodological challenges of mixed-methods research as well as ‘thinking points’ for researchers as they plan and carry out mixed-methods research on wellbeing and health topics. Within a holistic view of wellbeing and health, the mixed-methods research designs are applied appropriately in both practice and community settings. The research can be shaped by pragmatism and the actual needs of a study rather than purely theoretical considerations. This practical book makes high-quality, mixed-methods research design and execution guidance readily accessible to health-care practitioners and researchers working in the fields of health, social care and wellbeing services and to undergraduate and postgraduate students in courses in research and health-care studies, as well as health management. Cover Endorsement Page Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of figures List of tables List of boxes List of contributors Foreword by Andrée le May Foreword by Simon Jobson Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter synopsis and ordering References Chapter 1: Methodological issues in researching everyday music therapy practice Background and introduction A context for practice and research Researching music therapy practice Approaching research Ethical considerations Summarising research Using video in research Video use in the research interview Video use within microanalysis Microanalysis – of what? Reflections Concluding thoughts Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 2: Using a mix of qualitative methods to investigate vulnerability in the medical profession Background Vulnerability and the medical professional Approach to research Our case studies Prevention of harmful stress amongst doctors Doctors with dyslexia: Impact and ‘workarounds’ Identification of poor performance in NHS amongst doctors Conclusion Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 3: Qualitative methods to optimise design and conduct of randomised controlled trials with clinical populations Setting the scene Reflective practice The use of qualitative techniques to enhance trials research Issues for trialists to consider before data collection Protocol development Recruitment What are the key reasons for lack of participation? Trust Trial documentation Use of qualitative techniques at the pre-trial phase During data collection What key traits should a clinical researcher have? Use of qualitative techniques to enhance the running of the trial Looking forwards Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 4: Mixed methods and wellbeing: Issues emerging from multiple studies into mentoring for doctors Introduction Background/context Mentoring in medicine Research into mentoring Mentoring and wellbeing The studies Accessing diverse viewpoints – building a jigsaw Study 1: Hints of wellbeing Study 2: Further glimpses Study 3: A picture appearing Study 4: The finishing pieces Looking back over the studies Beware of shared unspoken and spoken assumptions Attending to anonymity and confidentiality The participant-researcher relationship: Not so cut and dry Conclusions Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 5: Mixing methods and data: Exploring health and wellbeing on a social scale Introduction to mixed-methods research Why mix methods? Mixing data types Mixed-methods research in action Health and wellbeing on a social scale Why mix data? How to mix data Challenges of mixing methods and data types Data protection and ethics Accessing participants Handling big datasets Conclusions and reflections Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 6: Community-participatory investigation of the health-environment-wellbeing nexus of WaSH in rural Eswatini Background Strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative approaches to researching WaSH The potential of mixed-methods approaches to understand the complexity of WaSH Aims Participatory mixed-methods study design process Finding out about WaSH Water Participatory mapping and photography Survey Sanitation Survey Participatory mapping Hygiene Supplementary techniques for collecting data about all aspects of WaSH Techniques for integrating data to better understand WaSH Mixing methods and data for sampling Using (qualitative) map data to determine the (quantitative) census survey population Sampling focus group discussion participants using and linking their comments to participant demographic survey data Combining data from different qualitative sources for integrated analysis Interfacing qualitative and quantitative data in the results narrative Results and discussion Water Sanitation Hygiene Meta-inferences enabled by integrating data from different sources Conclusion Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 7: Using mixed and multi-modal methods in psychological research with young people Introduction The studies Representing complexity Disrupting ‘reality’ Engagement and engaging Voice and visibility Challenges and advice for other researchers Conclusions Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 8: A multimethods approach for defining a strategy to engage vulnerable families in research Introduction Multimethods versus mixed methods Background and context for main study Formative research questions and approach Literature review Literature review findings Low HL and health inequality Interventions to address HL How the literature review shaped our approach Qualitative PPI work with practitioners and parents Practitioner PPI Parent PPI Desk research to identify, profile and ‘map’ socio-economically deprived communities in Hampshire How the desk research shaped our approach How the PPI work shaped our approach Concluding reflections Questions for discussion and further reflection References Chapter 9: Mixed methods in community-based health and wellbeing practices Introduction Design Mixed methodologies Trend analysis Agency models Case exemplars Future scenarios In summary The bigger picture Conclusions Questions for discussion and further reflection References Conclusion: Developing mixed-methods research practice in wellbeing and health How can we define mixed-methods research in the context of wellbeing and health research? What happens to ‘philosophical position’ when we mix approaches from two different paradigms? Why employ mixed methods in wellbeing and health research? What are the challenges and benefits of mixed-methods research designs? ‘Thinking points’ to assist research design Research topic and context Study design and preparation Methodological approach Methods Integration and ordering Ethics Reflection and reflexivity Final thoughts References Index