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. 2024 Apr;68(1):8-15.

A commentary on the use of mixed methods in chiropractic research: Part 1: overview of mixed methods research

Peter C Emary  1   2   3 , Kent J Stuber  4   5
Affiliations

A commentary on the use of mixed methods in chiropractic research: Part 1: overview of mixed methods research

Peter C Emary et al. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2024 Apr.

Abstract
in English, French

We recently each completed doctoral programs where the major focus of our work was in mixed methods research. In the first part of this three-part commentary, we present an overview of mixed methods research. In the second part, we present a summary of our primary and secondary research findings from our doctoral work involving mixed methods. In a third paper, we will discuss integrating qualitative research with randomized controlled trials and how this mixed methods study design can be applied to research within the chiropractic profession. Our aim with these papers is to increase awareness amongst the chiropractic community of the value (and challenges) of using this unique methodology. We also make recommendations for improving the quality of reporting and conduct of future chiropractic mixed methods studies. Further dissemination of this work will occur through online webinars and conference presentations.

Étude sur l’utilisation de méthodes mixtes dans la recherche en chiropratique. Partie 1: aperçu des méthodes mixtes de rechercheNous avons récemment terminé chacun un programme de doctorat dont l’objectif principal était les méthodes mixtes de recherche. Dans la première partie de cette étude en trois parties, nous présentons un aperçu sur les méthodes mixtes de recherche. Dans la deuxième partie, nous présentons un résumé des résultats de nos recherches primaires et secondaires dans le cadre de nos travaux de doctorat impliquant des méthodes mixtes. Dans un troisième article, nous discuterons de l’intégration de la recherche qualitative aux essais cliniques randomisés et de la manière dont ce modèle d’étude mixte peut être appliqué à la recherche au sein de la profession chiropratique.L’objectif de ces articles est de sensibiliser la communauté chiropratique à la valeur (et aux difficultés) de l’utilisation de cette méthodologie unique. Nous formulons également des recommandations pour améliorer la qualité des rapports et la conduite des futures études sur les méthodes mixtes en chiropratique. La diffusion de ce travail se fera par des webinaires en ligne et des présentations lors de conférences.

Keywords: Chiropractic; Methodological Quality; Mixed Methods Research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no disclaimers, competing interests, or sources of support or funding to report in the preparation of this manuscript. Dr. Emary is supported, in part, by a post-doctoral award from the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care at McMaster University outside of the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Core mixed methods study designs (adapted from Creswell and Plano Clark5). The ovals in the diagrams represent points of integration (or mixing) of the quantitative and qualitative phases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

    1. Emary PC, Stuber KJ, Mbuagbaw L, Oremus M, Nolet PS, Nash JV, Bauman CA, Ciraco C, Couban RJ, Busse JW. Quality of reporting in chiropractic mixed methods research: a methodological review protocol. Chiropr Man Therap. 2021;29(1):35. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Emary PC, Stuber KJ, Mbuagbaw L, Oremus M, Nolet PS, Nash JV, Bauman CA, Ciraco C, Couban RJ, Busse JW. Risk of bias in chiropractic mixed methods research: a secondary analysis of a meta-epidemiological review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2022;66(1):7–20. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Emary PC, Stuber KJ, Mbuagbaw L, Oremus M, Nolet PS, Nash JV, Bauman CA, Ciraco C, Couban RJ, Busse JW. Quality of reporting using Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study criteria in chiropractic mixed methods research: a methodological review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2023 Dec 21;:S0161-4754(23)00088-X. Online ahead of print. - PubMed
    1. Johnson RB, Onwuegbuzie AJ, Turner LA. Toward a definition of mixed methods research. J Mix Methods Res. 2007;1(2):112–133.
    1. Creswell JW, Plano Clark VL. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 2018.

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