scholarly journals The Challenges of Quantitative Surveys Among Hard-to-Survey Populations – A Case for Mixed-Methods Designs Based on a Survey With Unaccompanied Refugee Minors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Jasmin Mayer ◽  
Laura Scholaske
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Unit Nonresponse ◽  
Survey Error ◽  
Refugee Minors

Surveys of specific target groups that are hard to survey are prone to errors and biases. In this paper, we use the Total Survey Error (TSE) framework and a study on unaccompanied refugee minors (URM) in Germany to discuss how a mixed-methods quantitative-dominant research design can address challenges of quantitative-only surveys of such groups. We show that unit nonresponse and measurement are two main levels of bias that can be partly supplemented by qualitative research. In addition, taking ethical considerations into account when researching URMs affects the quality of quantitative surveys. This effect cannot be avoided, but it should be classified by researchers. We conclude that surveying hard-to-survey populations benefits from a combination of quantitative surveys and semi-structured interviews.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life among 13–14 year old adolescents with overweight - a mixed methods approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Turid Kristin Bigum Sundar ◽  
Kirsti Riiser ◽  
Milada Småstuen ◽  
Randi Opheim ◽  
Knut Løndal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reference Population ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract BackgroundOverweight and obesity are public concerns with risk of adverse health outcomes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower in adolescents than children in general. An increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with a decrease in HRQoL. The purpose of this study was to measure and explore the HRQoL among adolescents with overweight or obesity who had participated in an intervention study with the aim of increasing PA, reducing BMI and promoting HRQoL.Methods Mixed methods, with a convergent design, were used to investigate how different methodological approaches could expand our understanding of the adolescents’ HRQoL. Quantitative post-intervention data on HRQoL were collected among the 84 intervention participants, aged 13–14 years, using the KIDSCREEN 52 questionnaire. The data were compared with a Norwegian reference population of 244 individuals, and analysed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 adolescents from the intervention. A directed approach to content analysis was adopted, using the ten sub-scales from KIDSCREEN 52.ResultsHRQoL in the intervention sample was significantly reduced on the sub-scale of physical well-being compared to the reference population. The reference population scored significantly lower than the intervention sample on the sub-scale of parent relation and home life. No significant differences were found on the other sub-scales. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings on the sub-scale of physical well-being, but showed that perceptions of fitness, energy level or health could vary. Regarding parent relations, the interviewees extended this to include relationships to other family members as equally important. Most of the interviewees expressed a negative view of their bodies, but not their clothing or accessories. This may explain why no statistically significant differences were found on these aspects in the results from the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. ConclusionThe use of the KIDSCREEN 52 instrument gave important indications about the adolescents’ HRQoL. Combining methods enabled a comprehensive approach to research on HRQoL, indicating better ways of providing help. More research using the benefits of mixed methods approaches is needed to further elucidate these findings.

scholarly journals Effect of a brief physical activity-based presentation by a former patient for men treated with radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: a mixed methods pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154
Author(s):  
Louis Fox ◽  
Theresa Wiseman ◽  
Declan Cahill ◽  
Louisa Fleure ◽  
Janette Kinsella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Pragmatic Trial ◽  
Behavioural Intervention ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Exercise Specialist ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract Purpose Existing research indicates that physical activity (PA) is beneficial to men with prostate cancer (PCa). We examined the potential of a single-contact peer-support-based behavioural intervention to promote PA engagement in men treated for PCa. Methods A mixed methods design was employed, comprising a two-arm pragmatic trial and semi-structured interviews. The intervention was a 10-min PA-based presentation by a former patient, delivered in group seminars that are provided for patients as standard care. Seminars were alternately allocated to (a) cancer exercise specialist talk + patient speaker talk or (b) cancer exercise specialist talk only. Self-reported PA, exercise motivation, quality of life, fatigue and clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained from n = 148 (intervention: n = 69; control: n = 79) patients immediately prior to the seminar, and at follow-up ≈ 100 days later. Data were analysed using ANCOVA models and χ2 tests. Fourteen semi-structured interviews with intervention participants, which explored how the intervention was experienced, were analysed using a grounded theory-style approach. Results The intervention had no significant effect on quantitatively self-reported PA (p = 0.4). However, the intervention was statistically and clinically beneficial for fatigue (p = 0.04) and quality of life (p = 0.01). Qualitative analysis showed that the intervention was beneficial to psychological wellbeing and some participants had increased intention to engage in PA as a result of the intervention. Conclusions A brief one-off PA-based presentation for men with PCa, delivered by a former patient alongside cancer exercise specialist advice, may result in clinically significant benefits to quality of life and may influence PA intention in certain individuals.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Case Management to Support Families With Children Diagnosed With Spinal Muscular Atrophy—Protocol of a Controlled Mixed-Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Willems ◽  
Erik Farin-Glattacker ◽  
Thorsten Langer
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Case Management ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Care Integration ◽  
Case Management Intervention

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord, resulting in muscle atrophy, and proximal muscle weakness. SMA presents with a wide range of symptoms requiring multiple clinical specialists and therapists. Integrating care between disciplines can be challenging due to the dynamic course of the disease, and great distances between specialist centers and local providers. Insufficient care integration can lead to suboptimal quality of care and more difficulties for patients and families. This study aims to improve care integration through a Case Management intervention, and taking a mixed-methods approach, to evaluate its impact.Methods: An exploratory, controlled, two-armed study with baseline, post- and follow-up measurement and process evaluation is conducted to evaluate our intervention compared to usual care. Through a multi-perspective state analysis, we investigate the experiences of caregivers and healthcare providers concerning the actual healthcare quality of patients with SMA I and II. Semi-structured interviews and care diaries are used. We apply that data to conceive a tailored Case Management intervention supplemented by a digital platform. The intervention's effect is examined in comparison to a control group taking a mixed-methods approach. As primary endpoints, we investigate the caregivers' health-related quality of life and the quality of care integration. Secondary endpoints are the use of healthcare services (patients and caregivers) and costs. We assess the process quality from the perspectives of caregivers and healthcare providers through semi-structured interviews.Discussion: This is an exploratory, controlled study to assess the impact of a tailored Case Management intervention to improve the care of patients with SMA I and II. After the evaluation, results on feasibility, expected effect sizes, and process quality will be available. On this basis, future randomized controlled trials can be planned. If demonstrated beneficial, the experience gained within this study may also be valuable for care strategies in other regions and other (non-pediatric) patient groups with rare diseases and/or chronic, complex conditions.Clinical Trial registration:https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00018778, identifier: DRKS00018778.

scholarly journals It’s More Complicated Than It Seems: Virtual Qualitative Research in the COVID-19 Era

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 160940692110029
Author(s):  
J. Kessa Roberts ◽  
Alexandra E. Pavlakis ◽  
Meredith P. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Qualitative Data Collection ◽  
Made In

COVID-19 has necessitated innovation in many parts of our lives and qualitative research is no exception, as in-person qualitative data collection has been complicated by the constraints of social distancing and the prioritization of participants’ and researchers’ safety. Consequently, virtual methods have quickly gained traction. However, there is little research that comprehensively explores the range of practical, rigorous, and ethical considerations that arise when designing and engaging in virtual qualitative research. Addressing this gap, we examine the process of designing and conducting a virtual qualitative study, using specific examples from our case study of student homelessness in Houston, Texas that drew from semi-structured interviews and the analysis of over 50 documents. Garnering insights from Salmons’ Qualitative e-Research Framework (2016), and benefiting from 22 technical memos that documented our process, we profile the challenges we faced—and choices we made in response—as we designed and conducted our study. Our findings suggest that in practice, engaging in virtual qualitative research, particularly in the era of COVID-19, is a purposive exercise that requires thoughtful, careful analysis around a number of methodological challenges as well as ethical and equity-oriented questions. Our exploratory work has timely implications for qualitative scholars in the current COVID-19 context, but also showcases the potential to conduct high-quality, rigorous, ethical qualitative research in a virtual format, offering a glimmer of hope for more equitable qualitative research in contexts of crisis and beyond.

scholarly journals ATENÇÃO PSICOSSOCIAL E SATISFAÇÃO NO TRABALHO: PROCESSOS DIALÉTICOS NA SAÚDE MENTAL

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-67
Author(s):  
Mara Cristina Ribeiro ◽  
Alice Correia Barros ◽  
Marinho Da Silva Correia ◽  
Rebeca De Oliveira Lessa ◽  
Lucas Nascimento Tavares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Categorical Analysis

Introdução: O modelo de atenção psicossocial tem exigido profissionais comprometidos com um novo paradigma de cuidado que traz novos e diferentes desafios, podendo gerar nos trabalhadores satisfação, insatisfação, bem como outros sentimentos que envolvem a efetivação das novas propostas. A satisfação ou a insatisfação com o trabalho incorre em consequências que podem ser fonte de alegria e bem-estar ou acarretar prejuízos à saúde do trabalhador e à qualidade do serviço prestado. Objetivo: A pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer e analisar a satisfação e outros sentimentos gerados no exercício do trabalho nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial. Método: Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa desenvolvida com 19 trabalhadores de nível superior representantes de 04 serviços de uma capital do Nordeste. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisados com base na Análise Categorial. Resultados: A identificação com a área, a motivação em aprofundar seus conhecimentos e os bons resultados alcançados com as novas propostas de cuidado aparecem como determinantes para que o trabalhador se sinta satisfeito. No entanto, constatou-se que os profissionais se deparam cotidianamente com problemas que foram associados à geração de insatisfações e outros sentimentos como angústia, incapacidade, tristeza e frustração. Conclusão: As questões levantadas sugerem necessidade de maiores investimentos nesses serviços, capacitações dos profissionais, ampliação e diversificação da rede de atenção psicossocial para garantir satisfação no exercício do trabalho e na qualidade da assistência prestada.Palavras-chave: Saúde mental. Serviços de Saúde Mental. Pessoal de Saúde. Satisfação no Emprego. Pesquisa Qualitativa. ABSTRACT: Introduction: The psychosocial care model has required professionals committed to a new care paradigm that brings new and different challenges, which can generate satisfaction in workers, dissatisfaction, and other feelings that involve the execution of the new proposals. The satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the work incurs consequences that can be a source of joy and well-being or cause damage to workers' health and quality of service. Objective: The objective was to identify and analyze the satisfaction and other feelings generated in the performance of work in Psychosocial Care Centers. Method: This is a qualitative research conducted with 19 top-level workers representatives from 04 of the capital of Northeast services. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed based on Categorical Analysis. Results: Identification with the area, the motivation to deepen their knowledge and the good results achieved with the new care proposals appear as decisive for the worker to feel satisfied. However, it was found that professionals are faced daily with problems that were associated with the generation of dissatisfactions and other feelings such as anxiety, failure, sadness and frustration. Conclusion: The issues raised suggest the need for greater investment in these services, training of professionals, expansion and diversification of psychosocial care network to ensure satisfaction in work performance and quality of care.Keywords: Mental Health. Mental Health Services. Health Personnel. Job Satisfaction. Qualitative Research.

scholarly journals Qualitative research methods in medical dissertations: an observational methodological study on prevalence and reporting quality of dissertation abstracts in a German university

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Ullrich ◽  
Anna Stürmlinger ◽  
Michel Wensing ◽  
Katja Krug
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Qualitative Research Methods ◽  
Medical Field ◽  
Academic Dissertations

Abstract Background Qualitative methods offer a unique contribution to health research. Academic dissertations in the medical field provide an opportunity to explore research practice. Our aim was to assess the use of qualitative methods in dissertations in the medical field. Methods By means of a methodological observational study, an analysis of all academic medical dissertations’ abstracts between 1998 and 2018 in a repository databank of a large medical university faculty in Germany was performed. This included MD dissertations (Dr. med. (dent.)) and medical science dissertations (Dr. sc. hum.). All abstracts including “qualitativ*” were screened for studies using qualitative research methods. Data were extracted from abstracts using a category grid considering a) general characteristics (year, language, degree type), b) discipline, c) study design (mixed methods/qualitative only, data conduction, data analysis), d) sample (size and participants) and e) technologies used (data analysis software and recording technology). Thereby reporting quality was assessed. Results In total, 103 abstracts of medical dissertations between 1998 and 2018 (1.4% of N = 7619) were included, 60 of MD dissertations and 43 of medical sciences dissertations. Half of the abstracts (n = 51) referred to dissertations submitted since 2014. Most abstracts related to public health/hygiene (n = 27) and general practice (n = 26), followed by medical psychology (n = 19). About half of the studies (n = 47) used qualitative research methods exclusively, the other half (n = 56) used mixed methods. For data collection, primarily individual interviews were used (n = 80), followed by group interviews (n = 33) and direct observation (n = 11). Patients (n = 36), physicians (n = 36) and healthcare professionals (n = 17) were the most frequent research participants. Incomplete reporting of participants and data analysis was common (n = 67). Nearly half of the abstracts (n = 46) lacked information on how data was analysed, most of the remaining (n = 43) used some form of content analysis. In summary, 36 abstracts provided all crucial data (participants, sample size,; data collection and analysis method). Conclusion A small number of academic dissertations used qualitative research methods. About a third of these reported all key aspects of the methods used in the abstracts. Further research on the quality of choice and reporting of methods for qualitative research in dissertations is recommended.

scholarly journals ‘Busyness’ and the preclusion of quality palliative district nursing care

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 893-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurice Nagington ◽  
Karen Luker ◽  
Catherine Walshe
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Ethical Care

Ethical care is beginning to be recognised as care that accounts for the views of those at the receiving end of care. However, in the context of palliative and supportive district nursing care, the patients’ and their carers’ views are seldom heard. This qualitative research study explores these views. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 patients with palliative and supportive care needs receiving district nursing care, and 13 of their carers. Participants were recruited via community nurses and hospices between September 2010 and October 2011. Post-structural discourse analysis is used to examine how discourses operate on a moral level. One discourse, ‘busyness’, is argued to preclude a moral form of nursing care. The discourse of friendship is presented to contrast this. Discussion explores Gallagher’s ‘slow ethics’ and challenges the currently accepted ways of measuring to improve quality of care concluding that quality cannot be measured.

scholarly journals Caring ahead: Mixed methods development of a questionnaire to measure caregiver preparedness for end-of-life with dementia

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632199473
Author(s):  
Pamela Durepos ◽  
Noori Akhtar-Danesh ◽  
Jenny Ploeg ◽  
Tamara Sussman ◽  
Sharon Kaasalainen
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Psychometric Testing ◽  
Delphi Survey ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Palliative Approach

Background: Family caregivers of persons with dementia often feel unprepared for end-of-life and preparedness predicts caregiver outcomes in bereavement. Existing questionnaires assessing preparedness have limitations. A multi-dimensional questionnaire assessing family caregiver preparedness for the end-of-life of persons with dementia is needed to identify caregivers at risk for negative outcomes in bereavement and evaluate the quality of strategies within a palliative approach. Aim: To develop a multi-dimensional questionnaire titled ‘Caring Ahead’ to assess feelings of preparedness for end-of-life in family caregivers of persons with dementia. Design: A mixed methods, sequential design employed semi-structured interviews, a Delphi-survey and pilot-testing of the questionnaire, June 2018 to July 2019. Setting/population: Participants included five current and 16 bereaved family caregivers of persons with symptoms advanced dementia from long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada; and 12 professional experts from clinical and academic settings in Canada, Europe, United States. Results: Interviews generated three core concepts and 114 indicators of preparedness sampling cognitive, affective and behavioural traits in four domains (i.e., medical, psychosocial, spiritual, practical). Indicators were translated and reduced to a pool of 73 potential questionnaire items. 30-items were selected to create the ‘Caring Ahead’ preparedness questionnaire through a Delphi-survey. Items were revised through a pilot-test with cognitive interviewing. Conclusions: Family caregivers’ feelings of preparedness for end-of-life need to be assessed and the quality of strategies within a palliative approach evaluated. Future psychometric testing of the Caring Ahead questionnaire will evaluate evidence for validity and reliability.

scholarly journals “I Feel Quite Hopeful that My Future Is Still Going to be Okay”: Educational Aspirations During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Blaise Y. O’Malley ◽  
Colleen Loomis ◽  
Christina Dimakos ◽  
Sylvie L. Lamont ◽  
Gurmakh Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
Financial Hardship ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Research Software ◽  
Occupational Plans

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically altered how we learn, work, and live. This qualitative research aimed to study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational and occupational aspirations of young Canadian adults. All close to 29 years of age, sixteen participants took part in one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted through Zoom. Questions probed participants’ hopes, dreams, and perceived obstacles regarding school and work. Coding was completed using the research software Dedoose. Thematic content analysis was performed using both deductive and inductive approaches. Three themes emerged: the benefits and drawbacks of working and learning from home; financial changes and concerns; and hope and optimism despite challenges posed by the pandemic. Working and learning from home were discussed by 88% of participants, making it the most prominent theme. Participants generally agreed that working and learning from home had many benefits, but some expressed concern about the quality of online education. In addition, the pandemic caused financial hardship for a few participants, forcing them to delay educational or occupational plans. However, the majority (75%) expressed positivity and hope for the future. Overall, although the timeline of some participants’ educational or occupational plans changed, their aspirations largely remained the same.

scholarly journals Quality guidelines for mixed methods research in intervention studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gizela Kopač ◽  
Valentina Hlebec
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Quality Guidelines ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Among researchers' many investigations of the use of mixed methods in intervention studies, more recent discussions especially concern the roles played in such studies by qualitative research, intervention phases, procedures, and integration (Gallo and Lee, 2016; Woolcock, 2018; O'Cathain, 2018; Creswell and Plano Clark, 2018). One can find the basic procedures to follow while realizing a mixed methods experimental design (Creswell and Plano Clark, 2018), practical guidance (O'Cathain, 2018) for using qualitative research with a randomized control trial (RCT), and a mixed methods appraisal tool for appraising the methodological quality of RCTs, non-randomized studies, and mixed methods – MMAT (Hong et al., 2018). However, no model exists to assess the quality of mixed methods research in intervention studies, particularly experimental and quasi-experimental research in complex interventions. Our aim is to develop such a theoretical model. Today, the number of interventions relying on mixed methods methodology is growing exponentially. A theoretical model is called for to help assess the quality of mixed methods research in intervention studies, and in this respect our aim is to: (1) provide an overview of guidelines, recommendations, models, and quality criteria for mixed methods research; (2) overview the guidelines for intervention studies; (3) give a summary of guidelines and models for mixed methods research in such studies; (4) evaluate the mentioned guidelines, models, and quality criteria; (5) identify and describe the key elements of these guidelines, models, and quality criteria; and (6) develop a theoretical model for assessing the quality of mixed methods research designs used in intervention studies.

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