title: Rigour in qualitative case-study research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide examples of a qualitative multiple case study to illustrate the specific strategies that can be used to ensure the credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability of a study.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  There is increasing recognition of the valuable contribution qualitative research can make to nursing knowledge. However, it is important that the research is conducted in a rigorous manner and that this is demonstrated in the final research report.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multiple case study that explored the role of the clinical skills laboratory in preparing students for the real world of practice. Multiple sources of evidence were collected: semi-structured interviews (n=58), non-participant observations at five sites and documentary sources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strategies to ensure the rigour of this research were prolonged engagement and persistent observation, triangulation, peer debriefing, member checking, audit trail, reflexivity, and thick descriptions. Practical examples of how these strategies can be implemented are provided to guide researchers interested in conducting rigorous case study research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While the flexible nature of qualitative research should be embraced, strategies to ensure rigour must be in place.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, National University of Ireland, Galway. catherine.houghton@nuigalway.ie
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Houghton
authors.forename: Dympna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research