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The Case Study Approach

Overview
Journal BMC Med Res Methodol
Publisher Biomed Central
Specialties General Medicine
Health Services
Date 2011 Jun 29
PMID 21707982
Citations 443
Authors
Sarah Crowe
Kathrin Cresswell
Ann Robertson
Guro Huby
Anthony Avery
Aziz Sheikh
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

The case study approach allows in-depth, multi-faceted explorations of complex issues in their real-life settings. The value of the case study approach is well recognised in the fields of business, law and policy, but somewhat less so in health services research. Based on our experiences of conducting several health-related case studies, we reflect on the different types of case study design, the specific research questions this approach can help answer, the data sources that tend to be used, and the particular advantages and disadvantages of employing this methodological approach. The paper concludes with key pointers to aid those designing and appraising proposals for conducting case study research, and a checklist to help readers assess the quality of case study reports.

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