title: The case study approach.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Primary Care, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. sarah.crowe@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Crowe
authors.forename: Kathrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cresswell
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Guro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huby
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Avery
authors.forename: Aziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sheikh
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D058028:Research Report