The use of mixed methods in studying a chronic illness

Abstract

This article explores mixed-method approaches with an illnesscalled myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatiguesyndrome (CFS). Qualitative and Quantitative data were used toinvestigate the epidemiology of this illness, as well as exploreattributions based on the name of the illness, and finallytreatment approaches. In each of the domains within the ME andCFS research reviewed, our analyses were richer and our findingsultimately more impactful when we integrated qualitative andquantitative research methods. The use of a multiphasemixed-methods research program provided our team unique vantagepoints for better understanding social and community issuesinvolving this controversial chronic illness. Furthermore, thisapproach allowed us to implement the insights gained through anadvocacy lens to change policy, recommend and evaluatetreatments, and amplify voices within the patient population. Inthis way, we believe that the practice of methodologicalpluralism is especially applicable and effective to the study ofchronic illness, and believe that other investigators willbenefit from the use of these approaches with similardisenfranchised and unfairly treated populations.