Case study methodology

Up to this point the discussion has focused on the accuracy of defining the case, the fit to the phenomena of interest and the underlying philosophical underpinning driving the inquiry. Nonetheless, confusion remains as to how nurses use the method. Most qualitative nursing research, while exploratory or descriptive in nature, does not aim to measure outcomes based on the evidence. Rather the aim is to expand knowledge for the sake of building theory. This chapter outlines papers that illustrate the appropriateness of a nursing case study methodology. The first will compare three processes of case study research. That is followed by providing the results of integrative reviews of how case study method is used in nursing research.