Discussion: Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice

There is no denying the fact that both qualitative and quantitative research designs have
their unique points of strengths and setbacks. Qualitative research is exploratory and usually
seeks to answer “how” and “why” specific behavior or phenomena operates the way it does in a
given context (Gray & Grove, 2020). It captures changing attitudes, behaviors, and feelings –
aspects numerical data cannot describe. Standard data collection methods include observation,
focus groups, and interviews. However, the disadvantage of this research approach is that it does
not generate numerical and quantifiable data. There is also sample bias (because only a tiny
sample can be studied) and self-reflection bias. It is also impossible to generalize outcomes –
which sometimes casts doubt on its reliability and validity. The quantitative approach seems to
address all these pitfalls: it generates quantifiable data, can study a larger sample, and generalizes
outcomes to the overall population. Quantitative models use interviews, surveys, experiments,
and controlled observations.
Whereas these individual approaches are beneficial in certain instances, some nursing
situations call for integration of the two: what is known as a mixed approach. For example,
understanding the subject of mediation errors (causes, effects, and solutions) in nursing settings
might require the deployment of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The causes of
mediation errors are diverse, some associated with nurse behaviors, experiences, and attitudes
and others with technology, workflows, and processes. Qualitative methods can play a
fundamental role in exploring the causes associated with nurses’ perspectives, experiences, and
behavior (Gorgich et al., 2016). Focus groups can collect nurses’ feelings and attitudes towards
their work environment, employers, or patients – which might help provide a general view of

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their collective perception towards their work. At the same time, quantitative approaches can
help gather numerical data about the number of prescription errors committed by each nurse, the
qualification of nurses (such as those with DNP qualification), and the number of times nurses
are trained when new equipment arrives. The mixed-method approach can provide quantifiable
and measurable data and, at the same time, non-numerical information (AHRQ, 2013).

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References

AHRQ. (2013, Mar.). Mixed methods: Integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection
and analysis while studying patient-centered medical home models. Retrieved from
https://pcmh.ahrq.gov/page/mixed-methods-integrating-quantitative-and-qualitative-data-
collection-and-analysis-while.
Gorgich, A. C., et al. (2016). Investigating the causes of medication errors and strategies to
prevention of them from nurses and nursing student viewpoints. Global Journal of Health
Science, 8(8), 220-227.
Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research:
Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9 th ed.). Elsevier.