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W2.1

Title:  Combining qualitative and quantitative methods – methodological developments and outstanding puzzles.

Authors and affiliation: Bie Nio Ong and Kate M.Dunn, Primary Care Sciences Research Centre, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK.

Email address: b.n.ong@keele.ac.uk & k.m.dunn@keele.ac.uk

Introduction: This workshop builds on two pieces of work: first, the workshop on mixed methods that was held at the LBP Forum VII; second, a workshop entitled ‘Mixing qualitative and quantitative approaches in musculoskeletal research’ (funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign, UK) that brought together researchers from the universities of Keele, Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Objective: To present key findings from the arc workshop, and compare with the LBP VII workshop findings; to discuss further developments in mixed methods research, and their consequences for low back pain studies.

Methods / content:
The structure of the workshop is as follows:

1. Presentation of methodological developments highlighted in the arc workshop: embedding qualitative research in epidemiological surveys, quality of life studies and clinical trials. Specific examples will be presented from the three types of studies (with particular reference to back pain studies) augmented with an assessment of their methodological contribution.
2. Specific puzzling issues will be outlined for discussion in the workshop, including the way in which compatibility and complementarity of methods can be conceptualised, how tensions in epistemology and analysis can be addressed and how mixed methods research can be developed further.
3. The question as to the contribution of this type of research to improving clinical practice and shaping health policy will be addressed separately.