Mixed-method approaches to strengthen economic evaluations in implementation research

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science
• Health Economics

Background:

• Economic evaluations are crucial for optimizing healthcare investments and achieving the Triple Aim.
• Traditional quantitative economic evaluations often miss vital contextual details and stakeholder perspectives.
• Qualitative methods in economic evaluation offer a way to capture this missing information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for and guide the use of mixed-methods research in economic evaluations within implementation science.
• To present an adapted taxonomy of mixed-method studies applicable to economic evaluation.
• To demonstrate the practical application of mixed methods in a cost-effectiveness study.

Main Methods:

• Recommends a mixed-methods research agenda merging quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Presents an adapted taxonomy for mixed-method studies in economic evaluation.
• Illustrates mixed-methods application using a cost-effectiveness evaluation and adapted reporting standards.

Main Results:

• Mixed-methods studies in economic evaluation are currently rare.
• Qualitative methods enrich economic evaluations with context-specific cost and impact data.
• The study provides a framework and examples for implementing mixed methods.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating qualitative methods provides a comprehensive understanding of implementation costs and impacts.
• Suggests developing a research agenda and providing training for mixed-method economic evaluations.
• Emphasizes the value of mixed methods for advancing implementation science and healthcare value.