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Cited by 197Qualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsQualitative Comparative Analysis ResearchMethodologies in Health Research and Practice

Qualitative case study methodology in nursing research: an integrative review

Anthony, Susan, Jack, Susan·2009·Journal of Advanced Nursing
DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.04998.x
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Abstract

AIM: This paper is a report of an integrative review conducted to critically analyse the contemporary use of qualitative case study methodology in nursing research. BACKGROUND: Increasing complexity in health care and increasing use of case study in nursing research support the need for current examination of this methodology. DATA SOURCES: In 2007, a search for case study research (published 2005-2007) indexed in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Sociological Abstracts and SCOPUS databases was conducted. A sample of 42 case study research papers met the inclusion criteria. METHODS: Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method guided the analysis. RESULTS: Confusion exists about the name, nature and use of case study. This methodology, including terminology and concepts, is often invisible in qualitative study titles and abstracts. Case study is an exclusive methodology and an adjunct to exploring particular aspects of phenomena under investigation in larger or mixed-methods studies. A high quality of case study exists in nursing research. CONCLUSION: Judicious selection and diligent application of literature review methods promote the development of nursing science. Case study is becoming entrenched in the nursing research lexicon as a well-accepted methodology for studying phenomena in health and social care, and its growing use warrants continued appraisal to promote nursing knowledge development. Attention to all case study elements, process and publication is important in promoting authenticity, methodological quality and visibility.

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  • Qualitative case study research methodology is well-suited to describing and understanding specific programs or interventions within their naturalistic settings and is useful for exploring processes involved in program implementation that can be difficult to study experimentally.

    “Qualitative case study research methodology was chosen since it is well-suited to describing and understanding specific programs or interventions within their “real world” or naturalistic settings; and is useful for exploring processes involved in program implementation that can be difficult to study experimentally (32–34).”

    From Implementing an action over inertia group program in community residential rehabilitation services: group participant and facilitator perspectives (2021) · cites this paper as [33]

  • While this is a small-scale study, the inclusion of data from multiple sources and across three service sites and two time-points reflects adherence to case study research methodology and enhances the authenticity of its findings.

    “While this is a small-scale study, the inclusion of data from multiple sources and across three service sites and two time-points reflects adherence to case study research methodology and enhances the authenticity of its findings (33).”

    From Implementing an action over inertia group program in community residential rehabilitation services: group participant and facilitator perspectives (2021) · cites this paper as [33]

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Authors
Anthony, S., & Jack, S.
Affiliations
  • Western University (CA)
  • McMaster University (CA)
ORCID
Jack, Susan
Venue
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2009-04-22
Volume
65
Issue
6
Pages
1171-1181
ISSN
  • 0309-2402 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2648
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.04998.x
OpenAlex
W2166051865
Cited by
197
References
70
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 11
FWCI
8.61
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Journal of Advanced Nursing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Methodologies in Health Research and Practice
Keywords
nursing research methodology, methodological quality, research visibility, mixed methods, nursing knowledge development, scientific publications
MeSH terms
Humans, Terminology as Topic, Research Design, Nursing Research, Nursing Methodology Research, Qualitative Research

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