The paper highlights the processes involved in the pursuit of research goals that require incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods. The study in question was designed to document the extent to which Latino Medicaid consumers in Massachusetts receive quality health care services. In order achieve this goal, the study consisted of two phases. The first one involved quantitative secondary data analyses using Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) 3.0 indicators and the Consumers Assessments of Health Plan Studies (CAHPS) survey, a consumer satisfaction survey. For some indicators, Latinos scored higher than other groups (e.g. mammography rate), for others they scored lower (infant immunization, adult preventive care visits). The second phase of the project was built on findings from the quantitative phase, and was designed to provide an understanding and interpretation of the quantitative findings. With the assistance of an advisory board with expertise on minority health research, the co-investigators structured a qualitative research plan that included focus groups and in-depth interviews with Latino consumers and health care providers to address such questions as what may be the barriers to immunization and adult preventive care in the Latino community, and what might account for the higher mammography rates. Latino consumer participants were recruited from Massachusetts’ communities with high and low concentrations of Latino population. This paper will underscore the process of developing qualitative research questions based on quantitative findings, as well as effective "bottom-up" strategies to recruit participants for both focus groups and in-depth interviews in community settings.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. identify the steps to follow to integrate quantitative and qualitative research methods; 2. implement recruiting strategies in community settings; 3. assess the importance of identifying key community players
Keywords: Data Collection, Latinos
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.