title: Mixed-methods research in pharmacy practice: basics and beyond (part 1).
abstract: This is the first of two papers which explore the use of mixed-methods research in pharmacy practice. In an era of evidence-based medicine and policy, high-quality research evidence is essential for the development of effective pharmacist-led services. Over the past decade, the use of mixed-methods research has become increasingly common in healthcare, although to date its use has been relatively limited in pharmacy practice research. In this article, the basic concepts of mixed-methods research including its definition, typologies and advantages in relation to pharmacy practice research are discussed. Mixed-methods research brings together qualitative and quantitative methodologies within a single study to answer or understand a research problem. There are a number of mixed-methods designs available, but the selection of an appropriate design must always be dictated by the research question. Importantly, mixed-methods research should not be seen as a 'tool' to collect qualitative and quantitative data, rather there should be some degree of 'integration' between the two data sets. If conducted appropriately, mixed-methods research has the potential to generate quality research evidence by combining strengths and overcoming the respective limitations of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
authors: School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. abdulhadi83@gmail.com
authors: Muhammad Abdul
authors: MA
authors: Hadi
authors: David Phillip
authors: DP
authors: Alldred
authors: S José
authors: SJ
authors: Closs
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Briggs
mesh_terms: D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design
keywords: methodology; mixed methods; pharmacy practice; qualitative; quantitative