title: A systematic review of mixed methods research on human factors and ergonomics in health care.
abstract: This systematic literature review provides information on the use of mixed methods research in human factors and ergonomics (HFE) research in health care. Using the PRISMA methodology, we searched four databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Engineering Village) for studies that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) field study in health care, (2) mixing of qualitative and quantitative data, (3) HFE issues, and (4) empirical evidence. Using an iterative and collaborative process supported by a structured data collection form, the six authors identified a total of 58 studies that primarily address HFE issues in health information technology (e.g., usability) and in the work of healthcare workers. About two-thirds of the mixed methods studies used the convergent parallel study design where quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously. A variety of methods were used for collecting data, including interview, survey and observation. The most frequent combination involved interview for qualitative data and survey for quantitative data. The use of mixed methods in healthcare HFE research has increased over time. However, increasing attention should be paid to the formal literature on mixed methods research to enhance the depth and breadth of this research.
authors.affiliation: Center for Quality and Productivity Improvement and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. Electronic address: carayon@engr.wisc.edu.
authors.forename: Pascale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carayon
authors.affiliation: Center for Quality and Productivity Improvement and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kianfar
authors.affiliation: Center for Quality and Productivity Improvement and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
authors.forename: Yaqiong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins University, USA.
authors.forename: Anping
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.affiliation: Oracle, USA.
authors.forename: Bashar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Alyousef
authors.affiliation: Center for Quality and Productivity Improvement and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
authors.forename: Abigail
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wooldridge
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D036262:Empirical Research; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design
keywords: Health care; Mixed methods research; Qualitative and quantitative data; Systematic review