TY - JOUR AU - Crowe, Sarah AU - Cresswell, Kathrin AU - Robertson, Ann AU - Huby, Guro AU - Avery, Anthony AU - Sheikh, Aziz PY - 2011 DA - 2011/06/27 TI - The case study approach JO - BMC Medical Research Methodology SP - 100 VL - 11 IS - 1 AB - 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. SN - 1471-2288 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-11-100 DO - 10.1186/1471-2288-11-100 ID - Crowe2011 ER -