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Case studies: a research strategy appropriate for palliative care?
Catherine E Walshe1, Ann L Caress, Carolyn Chew-Graham
1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK. catherine.walshe@manchester.ac.uk
Palliative Medicine
|December 30, 2004
Summary
This study highlights the value of case study research in palliative care. It argues that this methodology is appropriate for complex, context-dependent, and multiprofessional research scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Research
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Selecting an appropriate research strategy is crucial for valuable and congruent research.
- Palliative care research presents unique challenges due to its complex, context-dependent, and multiprofessional nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue for the appropriateness of case study research strategies in palliative care.
- To identify specific situations where case study approaches are particularly suitable for palliative care research.
Main Methods:
- The paper presents a theoretical argument for the use of case study research.
- It outlines criteria and situations where case study strategies are advantageous in palliative care.
Main Results:
- Case study strategies are appropriate when dealing with complex situations.
- Flexibility, recognition of multiple perspectives, and congruence with clinical practice favor case study use.
- Case studies are suitable when strong existing theories are lacking or other methods are difficult to implement.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous and appropriate use of case study strategies can significantly contribute to palliative care knowledge.
- This methodology is sensitive to the intricate and multifaceted nature of palliative care research.