Using Mixed Methods in Disability and Rehabilitation Research

&NA; This paper will discuss the theoretical design considerations and the practical integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in disability and rehabilitation research, which have gained recent popularity among researchers of various disciplines. Whereas quantitative experimental and survey approaches allow researchers to draw generalizable conclusions that apply to a particular population as a whole, qualitative methods capture the depth of respondents' experiences in their own words. Qualitative methods may be used to explore new topical areas prior to implementing a population‐based survey, or they may follow quantitative approaches to explain findings in greater detail. We will discuss research findings from two recent studies of rehabilitation industry professionals and people with physical disabilities to exemplify the utility of mixed‐method designs in disability and rehabilitation research. The article will conclude with recommendations for rehabilitation nursing researchers to apply both qualitative and quantitative methods in their research practice.

[1]  D. Patrick,et al.  'Finding a good thing': the use of quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate an exercise class and promote exercise for adults with mobility impairments. , 1999, Disability and rehabilitation.

[2]  Thilo Kroll,et al.  Patient-Centered Rehabilitation: Problems and Opportunities , 2002 .

[3]  J P Lane,et al.  Assessing consumer profiles of 'ideal' assistive technologies in ten categories: an integration of quantitative and qualitative methods. , 1997, Disability and rehabilitation.

[4]  Bonnie O'Day,et al.  Research on the Lives of Persons with Disabilities , 2002 .

[5]  Melinda T. Neri,et al.  Use of Outcomes Information in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation , 2004, American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation.

[6]  Helen Lambert,et al.  Anthropology in health research: from qualitative methods to multidisciplinarity , 2002, BMJ : British Medical Journal.

[7]  G. White,et al.  Developing and systematically implementing participatory action research. , 2004, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

[8]  Melinda T. Neri,et al.  Access to health care services among people with chronic or disabling conditions: patterns and predictors. , 2003, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

[9]  R. Andersen Revisiting the behavioral model and access to medical care: does it matter? , 1995, Journal of health and social behavior.

[10]  M Sandelowski,et al.  Combining qualitative and quantitative sampling, data collection, and analysis techniques in mixed-method studies. , 2000, Research in nursing & health.

[11]  Melinda T. Neri,et al.  Understanding the consequences of access barriers to health care: experiences of adults with disabilities , 2003, Disability and rehabilitation.

[12]  E. Bradley,et al.  Expanding the Andersen model: the role of psychosocial factors in long-term care use. , 2002, Health services research.

[13]  Thilo Kroll,et al.  Access Barriers for Persons with Disabilities , 2003 .