Exploring the status and critical issues in mixed methods research in doctoral nursing education in the Philippines

Background: Mixed methods research (MMR) can be a pathway for doctoral nursing students to create innovative and noble contributions for the advancement of nursing theory, practice, and education. Several issues and challenges must be identified to successfully train, mentor, and support doctoral nursing students in conducting MMR.Aim: The study aimed to explore the status and critical issues in conducting, mentoring, and training MMR in doctoral nursing programs in the Philippines.Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted by performing semi-structured online interviews with 10 purposively selected participants who were faculty and educators with doctoral degrees, involved in teaching and mentoring MMR among doctoral nursing students in the last 10 years. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.Findings: Four key themes emerged, namely, (1) perceptions on the use of MMR, (2) facilitators to use MMR, (3) barriers to the use of MMR, and (4) recommendations to promote the use of MMR focused on the student, faculty, and educational institution levels.Conclusion: Providing educational, institutional, and research support for doctoral nursing students and faculty could flourish the use of MMR in doctoral nursing programs with deeper meaning and reasoning.