Examples of published studies using the four types of case study designs suggested by Yin3
| Study example | Type of case study design | Study aim | Methodological features |
| Little et al 44 | Holistic single case. | To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a prenatal visit programme for Japanese women with limited English skills. | Survey and interview data were collected from women attending the programme. The programme (ie, the case) was the sole unit of analysis of the study. |
| Shultz et al 22 | Embedded single case. | To evaluate the perceived feasibility and impact of an SPI programme providing training in sexual healthcare examinations to Japanese family medicine residents. | Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from groups of participants directly involved with the programme (ie, trainers in the programme and Japanese residents attending the programme) or whose work was affected by the outcomes of the programme (ie, medical and nursing staff at the residents’ workplace). The programme (ie, the case) was the core unit of analysis of the study and the groups of participants were subunits of analysis in the programme. |
| Peterson et al 45 | Holistic multiple case. | To identify and describe factors associated with the use of prevention research in seven public health programmes. | Seven programmes were compared in terms of the characteristics of research utilisation, including related barriers and facilitators. Archival, observational and interview data were collected from stakeholders involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of the programme. Each programme (ie, cases) constituted a unit of analysis of the study. |
| Shea et al 46 | Embedded multiple case. | To explore factors considered by primary care providers when assessing the added value of a health-related quality-of-life information technology application for geriatric patients. | Three primary care practices were examined using quantitative and qualitative data sources, such as surveys, observations, audio recordings and semistructured interviews. Data were collected from several groups of participants, including providers, clinical and administrative staff, and patients. The three primary care practices (ie, cases) were the core units of analysis of the study and the groups of participants were subunits embedded within the practices. |
SPI, standardised patient instructor.