Creating and supporting a mixed methods health services research team.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Mixed Methods Research
• Team Science

Background:

• The Research Initiative Valuing Eldercare (THRIVE) team evaluated The Green House nursing home culture change program.
• Mixed methods research teams often comprise diverse disciplines and methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Provide guidance on team development for mixed methods research.
• Offer insights for funders on engaging with mixed methods research teams.

Main Methods:

• Described the development of the THRIVE research team.
• Utilized a health services research evaluation framework.
• Emphasized shared leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Main Results:

• THRIVE team faced challenges due to diverse disciplines, methodologies, and shared leadership.
• Successful strategies included a Coordinating Center, dedicated planning time, funded meetings, and resource optimization.

Conclusions:

• Effective mixed methods research teams face inevitable challenges.
• Funders and research teams can implement strategies to promote successful team formation and operation.