Future challenges for mixed methods research in nursing and the health sciences

Nursing and health science researchers have, increasingly, embraced mixed methods to guide their exploration of the complex phenomena that infl uence human health. The mixed methods approach offers a fl exibility and depth of insight that is not possible to achieve through the use of either qualitative or quantitative methods alone. Despite a growth in popularity, it is clear to us that using mixed methods approaches in themselves does not mean that the research is inherently good. High quality application of the mixed methods approach requires consideration of the theoretical underpinnings and careful planning of data collection methods and analysis techniques. Like its qualitative and quantitative counterparts, the mixed methods approach can be of variable quality and rigour. In order to maintain the integrity of mixed methods as a research approach it is vital that researchers engage in scholarly debate within the literature not only regarding philosophical issues, but also practical considerations, to guide those using mixed methods in their research. This text has sought to do this by providing a combination of practical advice supplemented with contemporary examples from the literature and introducing the reader to the current issues faced by nursing and the health science researchers using mixed methods.