A Mixed-Method Study of the Views of Women, in a General Practice (Primary) Health Care Setting, Regarding Intrauterine Contraception

Mixed methodology can be an appropriate methodology in healthcare settings, particularly where the focus of interest is on the opinions, feelings and experiences of healthcare users. This case outlines the use of a sequential exploratory mixed methods approach, used to examine the views of women, recruited in a primary care setting, regarding intra-uterine contraception. This case study will consider why a mixed-methods approach was chosen for this research. It will also describe the practical considerations involved in the recruitment and consent of participants, which are relevant in the healthcare context. It describes the gathering and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data, and how each set of data can be used to answer the research problem. It will provide some tips for minimizing common research pitfalls, and highlight some areas for discussion and decision, for new researchers who are undertaking this kind of research for the first time.