Using Mixed Methods to Optimize Dissemination and
Implementation of Health Interventions

May 3, 2012
Natcher Conference Center (Building 45) - Balcony A
NIH Campus
Bethesda, MD

There is no fee to register for this workshop. 

Mixed methods research is increasingly important for addressing complex problems facing public health. Mixed methods approaches are particularly well-suited to enhance our understanding of how to optimize dissemination and implementation (D&I) of evidence-based interventions.  A challenge inherent in D&I research is that often neither a qualitative nor a quantitative approach alone is sufficient to fully understand the processes involved and/or outcomes resulting from the dissemination or implementation of a given intervention.  Mixed methods research involves the intentional collection and integration of both qualitative and quantitative data and capitalizes on the strengths of each to enhance the breadth and depth of the researchers’ understanding of a problem.  Mixed methods research is a tool that can help to ensure that evidence-base strategies to improve health and prevent disease are effectively delivered in clinical and public health practice.

The goal of this workshop is to illustrate the utility of mixed methods approaches to improve and enhance dissemination and implementation research. Specifically, the workshop will:

• Provide a rationale for using mixed methods for dissemination and implementation research and identify the types of studies for which these methods are most appropriate
• Describe mixed methods research designs and examples of mixed methods studies in dissemination and implementation research
• Demonstrate effective integration of methods in grant writing and analytic plans
• Identify elements of a good mixed methods grant proposal by summarizing and expanding on the recently released report on Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences: http://obssr.od.nih.gov/scientific_areas/methodology/mixed_methods_research/index.aspx

Sponsors

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR)

in collaboration with

The Center for Mental Health Implementation and Dissemination Science in States for Children, Adolescents and Families, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University and NYU Langone Medical Center/NYU School of Medicine.