Studying Medical Records Management in the Public Healthcare Sector of South Africa Using Multi-Method

Abstract

This chapter reflects on the lesson learnt from the application of multi-methods in a quantitative study that was conducted to study patient record management in the public healthcare sector. In this study, a questionnaire was the main data collection tool, which was supported by interviews, observations, and document/system analysis data. In conducting the study, triangulation of multi-methods data was performed at different stages of the study. Currently there is no clear framework in social science research about the application of multi-method, mono-method, and mixed method research, which the study intends to clear. The study revealed that quantitative data need to be augmented with some narrative/qualitative data to make an empirical conclusion and recommendations because alone, it may not be completely reliable. Triangulation of multi-methods eliminates bias and closes some gaps where data leave some questions unanswered. The study provides a framework to guide on research method based on methods ingredients.