Abstract
<b>Mixed Methods in CAM Research: A Systematic Review of Studies Published in 2012</b>
Highlights
Quantitative research methods have long dominated conventional medical research: randomised clinical trials (RCTs) produce the highest levels of evidence and occupy the pinnacle of methods hierarchies (e.g., [1])
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methodologists have called for greater plurality in research methods in general and more use of qualitative research methods in particular [4–7]
A qualitative component might be judged on the extent to which the findings enable an intervention to be delivered in a way that respects and engages patients; a quantitative component might be judged on the extent to which it provides persuasive evidence that leads to policy makers funding an intervention
Summary
Quantitative research methods have long dominated conventional medical research: randomised clinical trials (RCTs) produce the highest levels of evidence and occupy the pinnacle of methods hierarchies (e.g., [1]). Unlike new pharmaceutical therapies CAM is already being provided, practiced, and used in the community; many CAMs are best conceptualized as multifactorial complex interventions; CAMs can have diverse and unanticipated effects on people; and the underlying mechanisms of many CAMs are still being researched [2, 3] These characteristics of CAM (a) make it difficult to design good clinical trials and (b) emphasise the need to understand patients’ perspectives. Mixed methods research uses qualitative and quantitative approaches (or “components”) in a single study or a series of related studies. Mixed methods research uses qualitative and quantitative methods together in a single study or a series of related studies. The quality of mixed methods research in CAM can be enhanced by addressing philosophical tensions and improving reporting of (a) analytic methods and reflexivity (in qualitative components) and (b) sampling and recruitment-related procedures (in all components)
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