Chapter 28 - Best practices in mixed methods for pharmacy and health services research

Abstract

Mixed methods approaches are increasingly being used in social pharmacy research due to their potential to uncover insights that are not possible with separate quantitative and qualitative study designs. Despite their increasing use, there are some limitations in these publications. Typically, specific mixed methods designs are not chosen, quantitative and qualitative data are not systematically integrated, and the credibility or validity of the approach is not addressed. In this chapter, mixed methods designs and their applications in social pharmacy are described with examples. Different integration techniques for mixing quantitative and qualitative strands at the levels of study design, data collection/analysis, and reporting are explained. The concept of “legitimation” and its types as an approach to evaluate credibility or validity of mixed methods studies is detailed. New methodological developments or techniques are described with examples from recent mixed methods research in social pharmacy. Finally, a checklist of recommendations for planning, conducting, reporting, and evaluating mixed methods studies is included at the end of the chapter. We suggest that readers interested in using mixed methods approaches follow recommended guidelines and obtain training in mixed methods to ensure that rigorous mixed methods studies are conducted in social and administrative pharmacy.