Method for aggregating the reporting of interventions in complex studies (MATRICS)

Thorne, K., Cheung, W., Cohen, D., Jerzembek, Gabrielle Sophia, Hutchings, H. A., Rapport, F. L., Russell, I. T., Seagrove, A. C. and Williams, J. G. 2008. Method for aggregating the reporting of interventions in complex studies (MATRICS). Presented at: QUIC AWARD Mixed Methods Conference, Swansea, UK, 4 December 2008.

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Abstract

Background: The synthesis of findings from mixed methods studies can be difficult and complex, with many articles tending to report their results in parallel with little or no integration. Conclusions may be based on findings that disproportionally represent one aspect of the mixed methods design rather than using the findings of all the methods used in a balanced and robust manner (O’Cathain 2008). We have developed a Method for Aggregating The Reporting of Interventions in Complex Studies (MATRICS) in the context of a complex, multi-centre, mixed methods study to evaluate the modernisation of endoscopy services. Method: We listed the effects sought by the study (the aims and objectives), split according to effects on patients, on the NHS and on the rest of society and gave each a unique number. We then listed the methods used to explore those effects and gave each a unique letter. An alphanumeric code was devised to identify and link each effect with a method and vice versa. This code was applied to a comprehensive list of tabulated study findings so that each finding was linked with an effect and a method. All analogous findings were merged and the alphanumeric codes linked with those findings were listed alongside to illustrate that more than one aspect of the study reported that finding. All contradictory findings and their alphanumeric codes were listed separately but in adjacent rows in the table to indicate that different components of the study were not complementary in their findings. Discussion: The MATRICS allowed us to better synthesise and present a large number of findings, to illustrate all complementary findings across multiple research methods and to highlight where findings from different components of the study were contradictory. The MATRICS can be applied to other research on complex interventions using mixed methods with great effect.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Cardiff Institute of Society and Health (CISHE) Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Additional Information:	related published paper http://www.trialsjournal.com/content/pdf/1745-6215-12-S1-A147.pdf Trials. 2011; 12(Suppl 1): A147. Published online 2011 December 13. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-12-S1-A147
Related URLs:	Organisation
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2016 22:37
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/22317

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