The concept of integration in mixed methods research: a step-by-step guide using an example study in physiotherapy

• Published in: PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE Vol. ahead-of-print; no. ahead-of-print; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Skamagki, Glykeria, King, Andrew, Carpenter, Christine, Wåhlin, Charlotte
• Format: Journal Article Publication
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.02.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Delivery of Health Care; Evidence based research; Evidence-based medicine; Evidence-based practice; guidance; Health care; Humans; integration; joint display; Medical personnel; Mixed methods research; Narration; Physical therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physiotherapy; Qualitative Research; Research Design; Visual representation; integration; Mixed methods research; joint display; guidance
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2120375

Integration is a unique attribute of Mixed Methods Research (MMR). However, some MMR studies, published in the field of physiotherapy and other allied health professions, have illustrated a lack of understanding of the concept of integration. The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for integrating elements of mixed methods research in order to effectively support evidence-based practice in health. The concept of integration of findings is explained with reference to the author's recent PhD study, which used a mixed methods exploratory sequential design. This article describes how the author used a narrative joint display to integrate findings from both the qualitative and survey phases of the study. Then, a step-by-step approach is introduced to guide the interpretation and integration of the findings. This four-step approach demonstrates integration of the two different datasets: Creating a joint display, linking activity, establishing relationships, and interpreting and reporting. Tables and Figures are used to support detailed description and illustration of the integration process. A joint display provides a visual representation of how the qualitative and quantitative findings in a MMR study can be integrated. In this way, interpretation of the data drawn from this process extend beyond the individual findings of each study component to facilitate a greater understanding of complex health care issues.