Discussion: Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans. Diagnosing, treating, and understanding chronic pain creates many challenges for healthcare. Is the challenge on how to properly diagnose and manage a patient’s pain? Or is the challenge on whether or not to prescribe pain medications given the concerns with addiction as a result of the opioid epidemic?
Consider the questions posed above. How might the use of qualitative and quantitative methods serve to provide answers for researchers regarding the challenges associated with chronic pain? What can qualitative data provide that quantitative data cannot, and vice versa? How might a mixed methods approach fill in the gaps to provide a clearer understanding of the problem and potential solutions? Consider the following questions. How might the use of qualitative and quantitative methods help researchers address the challenges associated with chronic pain? What does qualitative data offer that quantitative data does not? How might a mixed methods approach help to fill in the gaps and provide a more complete picture of the problem and potential solutions?
For this Discussion, reflect on an issue or problem in healthcare that may benefit from a mixed methods approach. Think about the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs, as well as how these two methods might work well together. Consider how a mixed methods approach supports evidence-based practice.
To Prepare:
Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider the differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods.
Consider an example of a topic or issue in nursing in which both qualitative and quantitative research approaches might be necessary,
Reflect on how a mixed methods approach lends itself to evidence-based practice.
Writer focus on these key points below to respond to the attached discussion posts:
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one or more of the following ways:
Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Suggest an alternative perspective based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

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