Jaam Myriam, Awaisu Ahmed, Stewart Derek, Mukhalalati Banan, Sethi Ahsan, Elshazly Marwa, Abdelrahman Abrar, Hadi Muhammad Abdul
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health Sector, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
QU Health Sector, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
PLoS One. 2025 May 6;20(5):e0321587. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321587. eCollection 2025.
Mixed methods research has gained popularity across healthcare and social sciences. However, inconsistent, and inadequate reporting remains a concern, hindering the assessment and utilization of mixed methods studies. Comprehensive easy-to-use mixed methods reporting standards are lacking. This protocol outlines the development of the COnsolidated Checklist for Reporting Mixed Methods Research (CORMIX) to address this gap.
Following the EQUATOR Network guidelines, the protocol involves conducting a scoping review to identify potential checklist items from current reporting guidelines and existing literature. This will be followed by executing a modified Delphi with a panel of experts in mixed methods research for further refinement through consensus. The modified Delphi will include ≥40 purposively selected experts who have extensively utilized and published mixed methods research. A questionnaire compiling literature-derived reporting items will be validated and distributed in successive rounds until consensus is reached on all items. Consensus is defined as ≥ 85% of experts agreeing on the inclusion of an item. Following the finalization of the checklist, a user guide and justification document will be completed.
This rigorous development process conforms with EQUATOR Network standards for health reporting tools. CORMIX has the potential to enhance the quality, consistency, and transparency of mixed methods reporting. Clear reporting is essential for assessing validity, replicating studies, and enabling synthesis and application of mixed methods evidence. The protocol is currently registered with the EQUATOR network: CORMIX - COnsolidated Checklist for Reporting Mixed-Methods Research.
混合方法研究在医疗保健和社会科学领域越来越受欢迎。然而，报告不一致和不充分仍然是一个问题，这阻碍了对混合方法研究的评估和利用。目前缺乏全面且易于使用的混合方法报告标准。本方案概述了用于报告混合方法研究的合并清单（CORMIX）的制定，以填补这一空白。
按照EQUATOR网络指南，该方案包括进行一项范围审查，以从当前报告指南和现有文献中确定潜在的清单项目。随后，将与一组混合方法研究专家进行改进的德尔菲法，通过共识进一步完善。改进的德尔菲法将包括≥40名经过有目的选择的专家，他们广泛应用并发表了混合方法研究。一份汇编文献衍生报告项目的问卷将得到验证，并在连续几轮中分发，直到就所有项目达成共识。共识定义为≥85%的专家同意纳入某个项目。在清单最终确定后，将完成一份用户指南和理由文件。
这一严格的制定过程符合EQUATOR网络关于健康报告工具的标准。CORMIX有潜力提高混合方法报告的质量、一致性和透明度。清晰的报告对于评估有效性、重复研究以及实现混合方法证据的综合和应用至关重要。该方案目前已在EQUATOR网络注册：CORMIX - 用于报告混合方法研究的合并清单。
