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Mixed Methods Research on Family Caregiving for Stroke Survivors: A Methodological Systematic Review.

Tharaa Ananzeh·Reem Telfah·Tamilyn Bakas·Raghad Tawalbeh·Vicki L Plano Clark
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Abstract

AIM: To examine how mixed methods research has been applied in studies of family caregiving for stroke survivors, focusing on key methodological components (rationale, design types, integration strategies, and use of joint displays). DESIGN: Methodological systematic review. METHODS: A systematic search of five databases yielded 17 studies. The extraction focused on mixed methods features (rationale, design, integration, joint displays), and quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were searched for relevant studies published from 2010 to 2025. RESULTS: The included studies addressed topics such as caregiver burden, coping, resilience, and intervention outcomes. Convergent and explanatory sequential designs predominated. Complementarity was the most frequent rationale for mixing methods. Integration occurred mainly through merging, with fewer instances of connecting or building. Three studies included joint displays to integrate the results. CONCLUSION: Mixed methods research is increasingly applied in family caregiving. To advance the field, researchers should strengthen integration during analysis and results and improve transparency in reporting key design features. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Strengthening methodological rigour in mixed methods studies on stroke caregiving will improve the evidence base for nursing practice. Intentional and meaningful integration of qualitative and quantitative evidence can better inform effective interventions and support programs, ultimately enhancing care for stroke survivors and their families. IMPACT: This review evaluates how mixed methods research is applied in family caregiving studies. It identifies significant methodological gaps, including unclear reporting of design and limited use of advanced integration techniques. The recommendations provide practical guidance for researchers to improve reporting and integration, yielding richer evidence to inform interventions and policies that support family caregivers. REPORTING METHOD: The review followed the PRISMA 2021 guidelines for transparent reporting of systematic reviews. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public involvement.

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HumansCaregiversStrokeSurvivorsAdaptation, PsychologicalFemaleMaleFamilyAgedMiddle AgedAdultResearch DesignAged, 80 and overcaregiversfamily caregivingmethodological reviewmixed methodsstroke survivorsJournal ArticleSystematic ReviewReview

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Tharaa Ananzeh, Reem Telfah, Tamilyn Bakas, Raghad Tawalbeh, Vicki L Plano Clark. 2026-03-04. Mixed Methods Research on Family Caregiving for Stroke Survivors: A Methodological Systematic Review.. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.70534

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Adaptation, Psychological subjectAdult subjectAged subjectAged, 80 and over subjectFamily subjectFemale subjectHumans subjectJournal Article subjectJournal Article; Systematic Review; Review resourceMale subjectMiddle Aged subjectSystematic reviews study

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