Methodology in Research

The case study method enables in-depth, multifaceted analyses of complicated subjects in real-world contexts. The importance of the case study technique is widely acknowledged in business, law, and policy but less so in healthcare research. Based on pubrica team experts conducting multiple health-related case studies, we reflect on the various types of case study design, the specific research questions this technique may help address, the data sources often employed, and the pros and downsides of utilizing this methodological approach.

Case study:

A case study is a research method used to develop an in-depth, multifaceted understanding of a complex subject in its real-world setting. It is a well-established research design widely utilized in many fields, notably the social sciences. A case study can be described in various ways, with the basic principle being the necessity to investigate an event or phenomenon in its natural setting thoroughly. As a result, it is regularly referred to as a “naturalistic” design, as opposed to an “experimental” design (such as a randomized controlled trial), in which the investigator attempts to exercise control over and influence the variable(s) of interest.

Case studies used for:

Case studies, according to Yin, may be used to explain, describe, or analyze occurrences or phenomena in their everyday surroundings. These can aid in understanding and elucidating causal relationships and pathways emerging from a new policy initiative or service development. The case study approach works well for gathering data on more explanatory “how,” “what,” and “why” questions, such as “how is the intervention being implemented and received on the ground?” Unlike experimental designs, which aim to test a specific hypothesis by purposefully manipulating the environment (for instance, in a randomized controlled trial, giving a new drug to randomly selected individuals and then comparing outcomes with controls), the case study approach does not rely on artificially controlled environments. Instead, the case study method might provide further insights into what gaps exist in its delivery or why one implementation technique may be preferred over another. This, in turn, can assist in creating or refining theory, as demonstrated by our research on patient safety education in undergraduate curricula.

Case studies conducted

The following sections focus on the key stages of research activity when planning and conducting a case study:

• Defining the case;
• Selecting the case(s);
• Collecting and analyzing data;
• Interpreting data; and
• Reporting the findings.

Conclusion :

Critical events, interventions, policy changes, and program-based service improvements, among other things, can be researched in detail in a real-life environment using the case study approach. It should thus be considered when an experimental design is either improper or impossible to carry out in order to answer the research questions stated. Given the regularity with which innovations are increasingly being implemented in healthcare settings and how well the case study technique lends itself to in-depth, complicated health service research, academics should study this approach more broadly. Though intrinsically difficult, the research case study may give profound insights into many critical health and healthcare delivery elements if thoroughly conceptualized, undertaken, and documented.

References :

1. Crowe, S., Cresswell, K., Robertson, A. et al. The case study approach. BMC Med Res Methodol 11, 100 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-11-100