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Types of Research
Impact of Telehealth in Nursing Practice
Nursing research may be done using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, each
with specific strengths for addressing clinical questions. Quantitative research revolves around
quantitative data and statistical testing, qualitative research explores lived experiences and
meanings, and mixed methods combines the two methods for greater understanding. The use of
proper methodology assures evidence that is both meaningful and applicable to nursing practice.
This paper will discuss the characteristics of the three forms of major research, apply them to the
problem of interest—the impact of telehealth on nursing practice—and determine which
approach is best fit for this research. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate different approaches
to research and justify the use of quantitative research when investigating the impact of nurse-
initiated telehealth interventions.
Characteristics
Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is data collection and analysis of
numerical data to test hypotheses and measure outcomes. Quantitative is widely used in nursing
to measure the effectiveness of interventions, compare patient groups, and identify statistical
correlations. Quantitative is best when objective measurement is required, such as hospital
readmission, drug compliance, or appointment attendance. However, it may not be able to
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capture patients' or nurses' subjective experiences and would be poorer in explaining emotions,
beliefs, or perception (Tushe, 2025).
Qualitative Research: Qualitative research examines individual or group experiences,
perceptions, and meanings through methods like interviews, focus groups, or observations.
Qualitative research provides detailed, rich data that help reveal the "why" behind behaviors and
results. Qualitative research is helpful in nursing when exploring patient experiences with
telehealth, nurse-patient interaction, or barriers to technology use. While qualitative research
provides depth, it does not provide statistical generalizability, and conclusions might not apply to
large populations (Tenny et al., 2023).
Mixed Methods Research: Mixed methods research combines quantitative and
qualitative approaches into a single study. For example, a telehealth study may measure
appointment adherence rates (quantitative) and also conduct patient interviews to understand
their satisfaction or issues (qualitative). This approach offers a more in-depth understanding of
complex health issues by combining numeric outcomes with personal accounts. This is
nonetheless time- and resource-intensive, more time, more expertise and cost, and hence less
feasible for some student or clinical projects (Thompson & Ivankova, 2022).
Comparison of All Three: Quantitative focuses on objectivity and generalizability,
qualitative focuses on depth and personal meaning, and mixed methods seeks to integrate both
for rich meaning. They are all valid and useful in nursing science but would be chosen depending
on the research question, available resources, and what is desired. In considering telehealth's
measurable impact on patient outcomes, quantitative method would best fit.
Problem of interest
Types of Research
Impact of Telehealth in Nursing Practice
Nursing research may be done using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, each
with specific strengths for addressing clinical questions. Quantitative research revolves around
quantitative data and statistical testing, qualitative research explores lived experiences and
meanings, and mixed methods combines the two methods for greater understanding. The use of
proper methodology assures evidence that is both meaningful and applicable to nursing practice.
This paper will discuss the characteristics of the three forms of major research, apply them to the
problem of interest—the impact of telehealth on nursing practice—and determine which
approach is best fit for this research. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate different approaches
to research and justify the use of quantitative research when investigating the impact of nurse-
initiated telehealth interventions.
Characteristics
Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is data collection and analysis of
numerical data to test hypotheses and measure outcomes. Quantitative is widely used in nursing
to measure the effectiveness of interventions, compare patient groups, and identify statistical
correlations. Quantitative is best when objective measurement is required, such as hospital
readmission, drug compliance, or appointment attendance. However, it may not be able to
, 2
capture patients' or nurses' subjective experiences and would be poorer in explaining emotions,
beliefs, or perception (Tushe, 2025).
Qualitative Research: Qualitative research examines individual or group experiences,
perceptions, and meanings through methods like interviews, focus groups, or observations.
Qualitative research provides detailed, rich data that help reveal the "why" behind behaviors and
results. Qualitative research is helpful in nursing when exploring patient experiences with
telehealth, nurse-patient interaction, or barriers to technology use. While qualitative research
provides depth, it does not provide statistical generalizability, and conclusions might not apply to
large populations (Tenny et al., 2023).
Mixed Methods Research: Mixed methods research combines quantitative and
qualitative approaches into a single study. For example, a telehealth study may measure
appointment adherence rates (quantitative) and also conduct patient interviews to understand
their satisfaction or issues (qualitative). This approach offers a more in-depth understanding of
complex health issues by combining numeric outcomes with personal accounts. This is
nonetheless time- and resource-intensive, more time, more expertise and cost, and hence less
feasible for some student or clinical projects (Thompson & Ivankova, 2022).
Comparison of All Three: Quantitative focuses on objectivity and generalizability,
qualitative focuses on depth and personal meaning, and mixed methods seeks to integrate both
for rich meaning. They are all valid and useful in nursing science but would be chosen depending
on the research question, available resources, and what is desired. In considering telehealth's
measurable impact on patient outcomes, quantitative method would best fit.
Problem of interest
