Development of meta-inferences using joint displays in mixed-methods nursing research: An illustrative study of an evidence-based practice educational intervention

Abstract

Background

Mixed-methods research enables comprehensive evaluation of complex nursing phenomena, yet its application remains limited, particularly regarding the systematic integration of qualitative and quantitative data. Using an illustrative study of an evidence-based practice (EBP) educational intervention, this article presents a structured data integration process supported by joint displays to derive meta-inferences.

Methods

The EBP educational intervention was conducted at a regional hospital in Germany with nurses and comprised four structured workshops along with a practical assignment. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was applied for evaluation. Qualitative data were collected via a group interview, and quantitative data were used to assess self-efficacy using the Evidence-based Practice Confidence (EPIC) scale pre- and post-intervention. Data integration followed a four-step process: thematic coding, identification of thematic complexes, condensation, and derivation of meta-inferences. Formative and summative joint displays facilitated systematic comparison and visualisation of convergence, divergence, and complementarity between data strands.

Results

The integration process identified four thematic complexes: integration of the patient perspective, practical implementation, heterogeneous prior knowledge, and role clarity. Joint displays enabled transparent and iterative comparison of qualitative and quantitative findings, supporting the derivation of nuanced meta-inferences and a structured presentation of findings. This approach highlighted how the educational intervention interacted with existing roles, prior knowledge, and contextual conditions relevant to the implementation of EBP.

Conclusions

Different types of meta-inferences illustrated the depth achievable through integration. Joint displays enhanced structured integration, methodological transparency, and reflective interpretation. They provide a pragmatic and rigorous approach to integrating qualitative and quantitative data in nursing research.