Mixed Methods Research on Family Caregiving for Stroke Survivors: A Methodological Systematic Review.
Tharaa Ananzeh, Reem Telfah, Tamilyn Bakas et al.
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In 30 seconds
This methodological systematic review examined how mixed methods research has been used to study family caregiving for stroke survivors. Searches of five databases identified 17 studies published from 2010 to 2025, which were assessed for mixed methods rationale, design, integration, and use of joint displays. Convergent and explanatory sequential designs were most common, and complementarity was the leading rationale for combining methods. Integration was mainly achieved by merging data; only three studies used joint displays. The review concludes that clearer reporting and stronger integration during analysis and presentation are needed.
Key findings
- The review included 17 studies on family caregiving for stroke survivors, covering caregiver burden, coping, resilience, and intervention outcomes.
- Convergent and explanatory sequential designs predominated, with complementarity the most frequent rationale for using mixed methods.
- Integration mainly involved merging; connecting or building approaches were less common.
- Three studies used joint displays to integrate results.
Why it matters
The quality of evidence about family caregiving depends partly on how well qualitative and quantitative findings are brought together and reported. The review identifies gaps in these methods that may limit how clearly studies explain caregiver experiences and intervention outcomes. More transparent design reporting and meaningful integration could make findings more useful for developing and evaluating support for stroke survivors and their families.
What to keep in mind
The review included 17 studies, and its findings describe methodological practices rather than the effectiveness of caregiving interventions.