Case study research (CSR) can be an effective but often misunderstood and underutilized approach for health services, systems, and policy research. This course will review the history and evolution of CSR, unpack key terminology and definitions, assess its key strengths/weaknesses, review guidance on how to design, conduct, analyze, and report on CSR and culminate in the development of a CSR protocol. An overarching focus of the course will be on the critical appraisal of published CSR, including assessment of available critical appraisal guidance for CSR and its sensitivity to research focus and publication type.

Objectives: 1) Understand the history/evolution of CSR. 2) Understand and appropriately use CSR terminology. 3) Understand the strengths/weaknesses of CSR and emerging approaches for critically appraising CSR. 4) Understand key elements in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of CSR. 5) Develop a CSR protocol.