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Health Case Studies

(29 reviews)

Glynda Rees, British Columbia Institute of Technology

Rob Kruger, British Columbia Institute of Technology

Janet Morrison, British Columbia Institute of Technology

Publisher: BCcampus

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Jessica Sellars, Medical assistant office instructor, Blue Mountain Community College on 10/11/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This is a book of compiled and very well organized patient case studies. The author has broken it up by disease patient was experiencing and even the healthcare roles that took place in this patients care. There is a well thought out direction and plan. There is an appendix to refer to as well if you are needing to find something specific quickly. I have been looking for something like this to help my students have a base to do their project on. This is the most comprehensive version I have found on the subject.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

This is a book compiled of medical case studies. It is very accurate and can be used to learn from great care and mistakes.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This material is very relevant in this context. It also has plenty of individual case studies to utilize in many ways in all sorts of medical courses. This is a very useful textbook and it will continue to be useful for a very long time as you can still learn from each study even if medicine changes through out the years.

Clarity rating: 5

The author put a lot of thought into the ease of accessibility and reading level of the target audience. There is even a "how to use this resource" section which could be extremely useful to students.

Consistency rating: 5

The text follows a very consistent format throughout the book.

Modularity rating: 5

Each case study is individual broken up and in a group of similar case studies. This makes it extremely easy to utilize.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book is very organized and the appendix is through. It flows seamlessly through each case study.

Interface rating: 5

I had no issues navigating this book, It was clearly labeled and very easy to move around in.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not catch any grammar errors as I was going through the book

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This is a challenging question for any medical textbook. It is very culturally relevant to those in medical or medical office degrees.

I have been looking for something like this for years. I am so happy to have finally found it.

Reviewed by Cindy Sun, Assistant Professor, Marshall University on 1/7/23

Interestingly, this is not a case of ‘you get what you pay for’. Instead, not only are the case studies organized in a fashion for ease of use through a detailed table of contents, the authors have included more support for both faculty and students. For faculty, the introduction section titled ‘How to use this resource’ and individual notes to educators before each case study contain application tips. An appendix overview lists key elements as issues / concepts, scenario context, and healthcare roles for each case study. For students, learning objectives are presented at the beginning of each case study to provide a framework of expectations.

The content is presented accurately and realistic.

The case studies read similar to ‘A Day In the Life of…’ with detailed intraprofessional communications similar to what would be overheard in patient care areas. The authors present not only the view of the patient care nurse, but also weave interprofessional vantage points through each case study by including patient interaction with individual professionals such as radiology, physician, etc.

In addition to objective assessment findings, the authors integrate standard orders for each diagnosis including medications, treatments, and tests allowing the student to incorporate pathophysiology components to their assessments.

Each case study is arranged in the same framework for consistency and ease of use.

This compilation of eight healthcare case studies focusing on new onset and exacerbation of prevalent diagnoses, such as heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease advancing to pneumonia.

Each case study has a photo of the ‘patient’. Simple as this may seem, it gives an immediate mental image for the student to focus.

Interface rating: 4

As noted by previous reviewers, most of the links do not connect active web pages. This may be due to the multiple options for accessing this resource (pdf download, pdf electronic, web view, etc.).

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

A minor weakness that faculty will probably need to address prior to use is regarding specific term usages differences between Commonwealth countries and United States, such as lung sound descriptors as ‘quiet’ in place of ‘diminished’ and ‘puffers’ in place of ‘inhalers’.

The authors have provided a multicultural, multigenerational approach in selection of patient characteristics representing a snapshot of today’s patient population. Additionally, one case study focusing on heart failure is about a middle-aged adult, contrasting to the average aged patient the students would normally see during clinical rotations. This option provides opportunities for students to expand their knowledge on risk factors extending beyond age.

This resource is applicable to nursing students learning to care for patients with the specific disease processes presented in each case study or for the leadership students focusing on intraprofessional communication. Educators can assign as a supplement to clinical experiences or as an in-class application of knowledge.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sideras, Assistant Professor, University of Portland on 8/15/22

The eight case studies included in this text addressed high frequency health alterations that all nurses need to be able to manage competently. While diabetes was not highlighted directly, it was included as a potential comorbidity. The five overarching learning objectives pulled from the Institute of Medicine core competencies will clearly resonate with any faculty familiar with Quality and Safety Education for Nurses curriculum.

The presentation of symptoms, treatments and management of the health alterations was accurate. Dialogue between the the interprofessional team was realistic. At times the formatting of lab results was confusing as they reflected reference ranges specific to the Canadian healthcare system but these occurrences were minimal and could be easily adapted.

The focus for learning from these case studies was communication - patient centered communication and interprofessional team communication. Specific details, such as drug dosing, was minimized, which increases longevity and allows for easy individualization of the case data.

While some vocabulary was specific to the Canadian healthcare system, overall the narrative was extremely engaging and easy to follow. Subjective case data from patient or provider were formatted in italics and identified as 'thoughts'. Objective and behavioral case data were smoothly integrated into the narrative.

The consistency of formatting across the eight cases was remarkable. Specific learning objectives are identified for each case and these remain consistent across the range of cases, varying only in the focus for the goals for each different health alterations. Each case begins with presentation of essential patient background and the progress across the trajectory of illness as the patient moves from location to location encountering different healthcare professionals. Many of the characters (the triage nurse in the Emergency Department, the phlebotomist) are consistent across the case situations. These consistencies facilitate both application of a variety of teaching methods and student engagement with the situated learning approach.

Case data is presented by location and begins with the patient's first encounter with the healthcare system. This allows for an examination of how specific trajectories of illness are manifested and how care management needs to be prioritized at different stages. This approach supports discussions of care transitions and the complexity of the associated interprofessional communication.

The text is well organized. The case that has two levels of complexity is clearly identified

The internal links between the table of contents and case specific locations work consistently. In the EPUB and the Digital PDF the external hyperlinks are inconsistently valid.

The grammatical errors were minimal and did not detract from readability

Cultural diversity is present across the cases in factors including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, family dynamics and sexual orientation.

The level of detail included in these cases supports a teaching approach to address all three spectrums of learning - knowledge, skills and attitudes - necessary for the development of competent practice. I also appreciate the inclusion of specific assessment instruments that would facilitate a discussion of evidence based practice. I will enjoy using these case to promote clinical reasoning discussions of data that is noticed and interpreted with the resulting prioritizes that are set followed by reflections that result from learner choices.

Reviewed by Chris Roman, Associate Professor, Butler University on 5/19/22

It would be extremely difficult for a book of clinical cases to comprehensively cover all of medicine, and this text does not try. Rather, it provides cases related to common medical problems and introduces them in a way that allows for various... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The narrative form of the cases is less subject to issues of accuracy than a more content-based book would be. That said, the cases are realistic and reasonable, avoiding being too mundane or too extreme.

These cases are narrative and do not include many specific mentions of drugs, dosages, or other aspects of clinical care that may grow/evolve as guidelines change. For this reason, the cases should be “evergreen” and can be modified to suit different types of learners.

Clarity rating: 4

The text is written in very accessible language and avoids heavy use of technical language. Depending on the level of learner, this might even be too simplistic and omit some details that would be needed for physicians, pharmacists, and others to make nuanced care decisions.

The format is very consistent with clear labeling at transition points.

The authors point out in the introductory materials that this text is designed to be used in a modular fashion. Further, they have built in opportunities to customize each cases, such as giving dates of birth at “19xx” to allow for adjustments based on instructional objectives, etc.

The organization is very easy to follow.

I did not identify any issues in navigating the text.

The text contains no grammatical errors, though the language is a little stiff/unrealistic in some cases.

Cases involve patients and members of the care team that are of varying ages, genders, and racial/ethnic backgrounds

Reviewed by Trina Larery, Assistant Professor, Pittsburg State University on 4/5/22

The book covers common scenarios, providing allied health students insight into common health issues. The information in the book is thorough and easily modified if needed to include other scenarios not listed. The material was easy to understand... read more

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The treatments were explained and rationales were given, which can be very helpful to facilitate effective learning for a nursing student or novice nurse. The case studies were accurate in explanation. The DVT case study incorrectly identifies the location of the clot in the popliteal artery instead of in the vein.

The content is relevant to a variety of different types of health care providers and due to the general nature of the cases, will remain relevant over time. Updates should be made annually to the hyperlinks and to assure current standard of practice is still being met.

Clear, simple and easy to read.

Consistent with healthcare terminology and framework throughout all eight case studies.

The text is modular. Cases can be used individually within a unit on the given disease process or relevant sections of a case could be used to illustrate a specific point providing great flexibility. The appendix is helpful in locating content specific to a certain diagnosis or a certain type of health care provider.

The book is well organized, presenting in a logical clear fashion. The appendix allows the student to move about the case study without difficulty.

The interface is easy and simple to navigate. Some links to external sources might need to be updated regularly since those links are subject to change based on current guidelines. A few hyperlinks had "page not found".

Few grammatical errors were noted in text.

The case studies include people of different ethnicities, socioeconomic status, ages, and genders to make this a very useful book.

I enjoyed reading the text. It was interesting and relevant to today's nursing student. There are roughly 25 broken online links or "pages not found", care needs to be taken to update at least annually and assure links are valid and utilizing the most up to date information.

Reviewed by Benjamin Silverberg, Associate Professor/Clinician, West Virginia University on 3/24/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

The appendix reviews the "key roles" and medical venues found in all 8 cases, but is fairly spartan on medical content. The table of contents at the beginning only lists the cases and locations of care. It can be a little tricky to figure out what is going on where, especially since each case is largely conversation-based. Since this presents 8 cases (really 7 with one being expanded upon), there are many medical topics (and venues) that are not included. It's impossible to include every kind of situation, but I'd love to see inclusion of sexual health, renal pathology, substance abuse, etc.

Though there are differences in how care can be delivered based on personal style, changing guidelines, available supplies, etc, the medical accuracy seems to be high. I did not detect bias or industry influence.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Medications are generally listed as generics, with at least current dosing recommendations. The text gives a picture of what care looks like currently, but will be a little challenging to update based on new guidelines (ie, it can be hard to find the exact page in which a medication is dosed/prescribed). Even if the text were to be a little out of date, an instructor can use that to point out what has changed (and why).

Clear text, usually with definitions of medical slang or higher-tier vocabulary. Minimal jargon and there are instances where the "characters" are sorting out the meaning as well, making it accessible for new learners, too.

Overall, the style is consistent between cases - largely broken up into scenes and driven by conversation rather than descriptions of what is happening.

There are 8 (well, again, 7) cases which can be reviewed in any order. Case #2 builds upon #1, which is intentional and a good idea, though personally I would have preferred one case to have different possible outcomes or even a recurrence of illness. Each scene within a case is reasonably short.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

These cases are modular and don't really build on concepts throughout. As previously stated, case #2 builds upon #1, but beyond that, there is no progression. (To be sure, the authors suggest using case #1 for newer learners and #2 for more advanced ones.) The text would benefit from thematic grouping, a longer introduction and debriefing for each case (there are learning objectives but no real context in medical education nor questions to reflect on what was just read), and progressively-increasing difficulty in medical complexity, ethics, etc.

I used the PDF version and had no interface issues. There are minimal photographs and charts. Some words are marked in blue but those did not seem to be hyperlinked anywhere.

No noticeable errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting were noted.

I appreciate that some diversity of age and ethnicity were offered, but this could be improved. There were Canadian Indian and First Nations patients, for example, as well as other characters with implied diversity, but there didn't seem to be any mention of gender diverse or non-heterosexual people, or disabilities. The cases tried to paint family scenes (the first patient's dog was fairly prominently mentioned) to humanize them. Including more cases would allow for more opportunities to include sex/gender minorities, (hidden) disabilities, etc.

The text (originally from 2017) could use an update. It could be used in conjunction with other Open Texts, as a compliment to other coursework, or purely by itself. The focus is meant to be on improving communication, but there are only 3 short pages at the beginning of the text considering those issues (which are really just learning objectives). In addition to adding more cases and further diversity, I personally would love to see more discussion before and after the case to guide readers (and/or instructors). I also wonder if some of the ambiguity could be improved by suggesting possible health outcomes - this kind of counterfactual comparison isn't possible in real life and could be really interesting in a text. Addition of comprehension/discussion questions would also be worthwhile.

Reviewed by Danielle Peterson, Assistant Professor, University of Saint Francis on 12/31/21

This text provides readers with 8 case studies which include both chronic and acute healthcare issues. Although not comprehensive in regard to types of healthcare conditions, it provides a thorough look at the communication between healthcare workers in acute hospital settings. The cases are primarily set in the inpatient hospital setting, so the bulk of the clinical information is basic emergency care and inpatient protocol: vitals, breathing, medication management, etc. The text provides a table of contents at opening of the text and a handy appendix at the conclusion of the text that outlines each case’s issue(s), scenario, and healthcare roles. No index or glossary present.

Although easy to update, it should be noted that the cases are taking place in a Canadian healthcare system. Terms may be unfamiliar to some students including “province,” “operating theatre,” “physio/physiotherapy,” and “porter.” Units of measurement used include Celsius and meters. Also, the issue of managed care, health insurance coverage, and length of stay is missing for American students. These are primary issues that dictate much of the healthcare system in the US and a primary job function of social workers, nurse case managers, and medical professionals in general. However, instructors that wish to add this to the case studies could do so easily.

The focus of this text is on healthcare communication which makes it less likely to become obsolete. Much of the clinical information is stable healthcare practice that has been standard of care for quite some time. Nevertheless, given the nature of text, updates would be easy to make. Hyperlinks should be updated to the most relevant and trustworthy sources and checked frequently for effectiveness.

The spacing that was used to note change of speaker made for ease of reading. Although unembellished and plain, I expect students to find this format easy to digest and interesting, especially since the script is appropriately balanced with ‘human’ qualities like the current TV shows and songs, the use of humor, and nonverbal cues.

A welcome characteristic of this text is its consistency. Each case is presented in a similar fashion and the roles of the healthcare team are ‘played’ by the same character in each of the scenarios. This allows students to see how healthcare providers prioritize cases and juggle the needs of multiple patients at once. Across scenarios, there was inconsistency in when clinical terms were hyperlinked.

The text is easily divisible into smaller reading sections. However, since the nature of the text is script-narrative format, if significant reorganization occurs, one will need to make sure that the communication of the script still makes sense.

The text is straightforward and presented in a consistent fashion: learning objectives, case history, a script of what happened before the patient enters the healthcare setting, and a script of what happens once the patient arrives at the healthcare setting. The authors use the term, “ideal interactions,” and I would agree that these cases are in large part, ‘best case scenarios.’ Due to this, the case studies are well organized, clear, logical, and predictable. However, depending on the level of student, instructors may want to introduce complications that are typical in the hospital setting.

The interface is pleasing and straightforward. With exception to the case summary and learning objectives, the cases are in narrative, script format. Each case study supplies a photo of the ‘patient’ and one of the case studies includes a link to a 3-minute video that introduces the reader to the patient/case. One of the highlights of this text is the use of hyperlinks to various clinical practices (ABG, vital signs, transfer of patient). Unfortunately, a majority of the links are broken. However, since this is an open text, instructors can update the links to their preference.

Although not free from grammatical errors, those that were noticed were minimal and did not detract from reading.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Cultural diversity is visible throughout the patients used in the case studies and includes factors such as age, race, socioeconomic status, family dynamics, and sexual orientation. A moderate level of diversity is noted in the healthcare team with some stereotypes: social workers being female, doctors primarily male.

As a social work instructor, I was grateful to find a text that incorporates this important healthcare role. I would have liked to have seen more content related to advance directives, mediating decision making between the patient and care team, emotional and practical support related to initial diagnosis and discharge planning, and provision of support to colleagues, all typical roles of a medical social worker. I also found it interesting that even though social work was included in multiple scenarios, the role was only introduced on the learning objectives page for the oncology case.

Reviewed by Crystal Wynn, Associate Professor, Virginia State University on 7/21/21

The text covers a variety of chronic diseases within the cases; however, not all of the common disease states were included within the text. More chronic diseases need to be included such as diabetes, cancer, and renal failure. Not all allied health care team members are represented within the case study. Key terms appear throughout the case study textbook and readers are able to click on a hyperlink which directs them to the definition and an explanation of the key term.

Content is accurate, error-free and unbiased.

The content is up-to-date, but not in a way that will quickly make the text obsolete within a short period of time. The text is written and/or arranged in such a way that necessary updates will be relatively easy and straightforward to implement.

The text is written in lucid, accessible prose, and provides adequate context for any jargon/technical terminology used

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

The text is easily and readily divisible into smaller reading sections that can be assigned at different points within the course. Each case can be divided into a chronic disease state unit, which will allow the reader to focus on one section at a time.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

The topics in the text are presented in a logical manner. Each case provides an excessive amount of language that provides a description of the case. The cases in this text reads more like a novel versus a clinical textbook. The learning objectives listed within each case should be in the form of questions or activities that could be provided as resources for instructors and teachers.

Interface rating: 3

There are several hyperlinks embedded within the textbook that are not functional.

The text contains no grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. More examples of cultural inclusiveness is needed throughout the textbook. The cases should be indicative of individuals from a variety of races and ethnicities.

Reviewed by Rebecca Hillary, Biology Instructor, Portland Community College on 6/15/21

This textbook consists of a collection of clinical case studies that can be applicable to a wide range of learning environments from supplementing an undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology Course, to including as part of a Medical or other health care program. I read the textbook in E-reader format and this includes hyperlinks that bring the students to subsequent clinical study if the book is being used in a clinical classroom. This book is significantly more comprehensive in its approach from other case studies I have read because it provides a bird’s eye view of the many clinicians, technicians, and hospital staff working with one patient. The book also provides real time measurements for patients that change as they travel throughout the hospital until time of discharge.

Each case gave an accurate sense of the chaos that would be present in an emergency situation and show how the conditions affect the practitioners as well as the patients. The reader gets an accurate big picture--a feel for each practitioner’s point of view as well as the point of view of the patient and the patient’s family as the clock ticks down and the patients are subjected to a number of procedures. The clinical information contained in this textbook is all in hyperlinks containing references to clinical skills open text sources or medical websites. I did find one broken link on an external medical resource.

The diseases presented are relevant and will remain so. Some of the links are directly related to the Canadian Medical system so they may not be applicable to those living in other regions. Clinical links may change over time but the text itself will remain relevant.

Each case study clearly presents clinical data as is it recorded in real time.

Each case study provides the point of view of several practitioners and the patient over several days. While each of the case studies covers different pathology they all follow this same format, several points of view and data points, over a number of days.

The case studies are divided by days and this was easy to navigate as a reader. It would be easy to assign one case study per body system in an Anatomy and Physiology course, or to divide them up into small segments for small in class teaching moments.

The topics are presented in an organized way showing clinical data over time and each case presents a large number of view points. For example, in the first case study, the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing. We follow her through several days from her entrance to the emergency room. We meet her X Ray Technicians, Doctor, Nurses, Medical Assistant, Porter, Physiotherapist, Respiratory therapist, and the Lab Technicians running her tests during her stay. Each practitioner paints the overall clinical picture to the reader.

I found the text easy to navigate. There were not any figures included in the text, only clinical data organized in charts. The figures were all accessible via hyperlink. Some figures within the textbook illustrating patient scans could have been helpful but I did not have trouble navigating the links to visualize the scans.

I did not see any grammatical errors in the text.

The patients in the text are a variety of ages and have a variety of family arrangements but there is not much diversity among the patients. Our seven patients in the eight case studies are mostly white and all cis gendered.

Some of the case studies, for example the heart failure study, show clinical data before and after drug treatments so the students can get a feel for mechanism in physiological action. I also liked that the case studies included diet and lifestyle advice for the patients rather than solely emphasizing these pharmacological interventions. Overall, I enjoyed reading through these case studies and I plan to utilize them in my Anatomy and Physiology courses.

Reviewed by Richard Tarpey, Assistant Professor, Middle Tennessee State University on 5/11/21

As a case study book, there is no index or glossary. However, medical and technical terms provide a useful link to definitions and explanations that will prove useful to students unfamiliar with the terms. The information provided is appropriate for entry-level health care students. The book includes important health problems, but I would like to see coverage of at least one more chronic/lifestyle issue such as diabetes. The book covers adult issues only.

Content is accurate without bias

The content of the book is relevant and up-to-date. It addresses conditions that are prevalent in today's population among adults. There are no pediatric cases, but this does not significantly detract from the usefulness of the text. The format of the book lends to easy updating of data or information.

The book is written with clarity and is easy to read. The writing style is accessible and technical terminology is explained with links to more information.

Consistency is present. Lack of consistency is typically a problem with case study texts, but this book is consistent with presentation, format, and terminology throughout each of the eight cases.

The book has high modularity. Each of the case studies can be used independently from the others providing flexibility. Additionally, each case study can be partitioned for specific learning objectives based on the learning objectives of the course or module.

The book is well organized, presenting students conceptually with differing patient flow patterns through a hospital. The patient information provided at the beginning of each case is a wonderful mechanism for providing personal context for the students as they consider the issues. Many case studies focus on the problem and the organization without students getting a patient's perspective. The patient perspective is well represented in these cases.

The navigation through the cases is good. There are some terminology and procedure hyperlinks within the cases that do not work when accessed. This is troubling if you intend to use the text for entry-level health care students since many of these links are critical for a full understanding of the case.

There are some non-US variants of spelling and a few grammatical errors, but these do not detract from the content of the messages of each case.

The book is inclusive of differing backgrounds and perspectives. No insensitive or offensive references were found.

I like this text for its application flexibility. The book is useful for non-clinical healthcare management students to introduce various healthcare-related concepts and terminology. The content is also helpful for the identification of healthcare administration managerial issues for students to consider. The book has many applications.

Reviewed by Paula Baldwin, Associate Professor/Communication Studies, Western Oregon University on 5/10/21

The different case studies fall on a range, from crisis care to chronic illness care. read more

The different case studies fall on a range, from crisis care to chronic illness care.

The contents seems to be written as they occurred to represent the most complete picture of each medical event's occurence.

These case studies are from the Canadian medical system, but that does not interfere with it's applicability.

It is written for a medical audience, so the terminology is mostly formal and technical.

Some cases are shorter than others and some go in more depth, but it is not problematic.

The eight separate case studies is the perfect size for a class in the quarter system. You could combine this with other texts, videos or learning modalities, or use it alone.

As this is a case studies book, there is not a need for a logical progression in presentation of topics.

No problems in terms of interface.

I have not seen any grammatical errors.

I did not see anything that was culturally insensitive.

I used this in a Health Communication class and it has been extraordinarily successful. My studies are analyzing the messaging for the good, the bad, and the questionable. The case studies are widely varied and it gives the class insights into hospital experiences, both front and back stage, that they would not normally be able to examine. I believe that because it is based real-life medical incidents, my students are finding the material highly engaging.

Reviewed by Marlena Isaac, Instructor, Aiken Technical College on 4/23/21

This text is great to walk through patient care with entry level healthcare students. The students are able to take in the information, digest it, then provide suggestions to how they would facilitate patient healing. Then when they are faced with... read more

The case studies provided accurate information that relates to the named disease.

It is relevant to health care studies and the development of critical thinking.

Cases are straightforward with great clinical information.

Clinical information is provided concisely.

Appropriate for clinical case study.

Presented to facilitate information gathering.

Takes a while to navigate in the browser.

Cultural Relevance rating: 1

Text lacks adequate representation of minorities.

Reviewed by Kim Garcia, Lecturer III, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 11/16/20

The book has 8 case studies, so obviously does not cover the whole of medicine, but the cases provided are descriptive and well developed. Cases are presented at different levels of difficulty, making the cases appropriate for students at different levels of clinical knowledge. The human element of both patient and health care provider is well captured. The cases are presented with a focus on interprofessional interaction and collaboration, more so than teaching medical content.

Content is accurate and un-biased. No errors noted. Most diagnostic and treatment information is general so it will remain relevant over time. The content of these cases is more appropriate for teaching interprofessional collaboration and less so for teaching the medical care for each diagnosis.

The content is relevant to a variety of different types of health care providers (nurses, radiologic technicians, medical laboratory personnel, etc) and due to the general nature of the cases, will remain relevant over time.

Easy to read. Clear headings are provided for sections of each case study and these section headings clearly tell when time has passed or setting has changed. Enough description is provided to help set the scene for each part of the case. Much of the text is written in the form of dialogue involving patient, family and health care providers, making it easy to adapt for role play. Medical jargon is limited and links for medical terms are provided to other resources that expound on medical terms used.

The text is consistent in structure of each case. Learning objectives are provided. Cases generally start with the patient at home and move with the patient through admission, testing and treatment, using a variety of healthcare services and encountering a variety of personnel.

The text is modular. Cases could be used individually within a unit on the given disease process or relevant sections of a case could be used to illustrate a specific point. The appendix is helpful in locating content specific to a certain diagnosis or a certain type of health care provider.

Each case follows a patient in a logical, chronologic fashion. A clear table of contents and appendix are provided which allows the user to quickly locate desired content. It would be helpful if the items in the table of contents and appendix were linked to the corresponding section of the text.

The hyperlinks to content outside this book work, however using the back arrow on your browser returns you to the front page of the book instead of to the point at which you left the text. I would prefer it if the hyperlinks opened in a new window or tab so closing that window or tab would leave you back where you left the text.

No grammatical errors were noted.

The text is culturally inclusive and appropriate. Characters, both patients and care givers are of a variety of races, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds.

I enjoyed reading the cases and reviewing this text. I can think of several ways in which I will use this content.

Reviewed by Raihan Khan, Instructor/Assistant Professor, James Madison University on 11/3/20

The book contains several important health issues, however still missing some chronic health issues that the students should learn before they join the workforce, such as diabetes-related health issues suffered by the patients. read more

The health information contained in the textbook is mostly accurate.

I think the book is written focusing on the current culture and health issues faced by the patients. To keep the book relevant in the future, the contexts especially the culture/lifestyle/health care modalities, etc. would need to be updated regularly.

The language is pretty simple, clear, and easy to read.

There is no complaint about consistency. One of the main issues of writing a book, consistency was well managed by the authors.

The book is easy to explore based on how easy the setup is. Students can browse to the specific section that they want to read without much hassle of finding the correct information.

The organization is simple but effective. The authors organized the book based on what can happen in a patient's life and what possible scenarios students should learn about the disease. From that perspective, the book does a good job.

The interface is easy and simple to navigate. Some links to external sources might need to be updated regularly since those links are subject to change that is beyond the author's control. It's frustrating for the reader when the external link shows no information.

The book is free of any major language and grammatical errors.

The book might do a little better in cultural competency. e.g. Last name Singh is mainly for Sikh people. In the text Harj and Priya Singh are Muslim. the authors can consult colleagues who are more familiar with those cultures and revise some cultural aspects of the cases mentioned in the book.

The book is a nice addition to the open textbook world. Hope to see more health issues covered by the book.

Reviewed by Ryan Sheryl, Assistant Professor, California State University, Dominguez Hills on 7/16/20

This text contains 8 medical case studies that reflect best practices at the time of publication. The text identifies 5 overarching learning objectives: interprofessional collaboration, client centered care, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. While the case studies do not cover all medical conditions or bodily systems, the book is thorough in conveying details of various patients and medical team members in a hospital environment. Rather than an index or glossary at the end of the text, it contains links to outside websites for more information on medical tests and terms referenced in the cases.

The content provided is reflective of best practices in patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and communication at the time of publication. It is specifically accurate for the context of hospitals in Canada. The links provided throughout the text have the potential to supplement with up-to-date descriptions and definitions, however, many of them are broken (see notes in Interface section).

The content of the case studies reflects the increasingly complex landscape of healthcare, including a variety of conditions, ages, and personal situations of the clients and care providers. The text will require frequent updating due to the rapidly changing landscape of society and best practices in client care. For example, a future version may include inclusive practices with transgender clients, or address ways medical racism implicitly impacts client care (see notes in Cultural Relevance section).

The text is written clearly and presents thorough, realistic details about working and being treated in an acute hospital context.

The text is very straightforward. It is consistent in its structure and flow. It uses consistent terminology and follows a structured framework throughout.

Being a series of 8 separate case studies, this text is easily and readily divisible into smaller sections. The text was designed to be taken apart and used piece by piece in order to serve various learning contexts. The parts of each case study can also be used independently of each other to facilitate problem solving.

The topics in the case studies are presented clearly. The structure of each of the case studies proceeds in a similar fashion. All of the cases are set within the same hospital so the hospital personnel and service providers reappear across the cases, giving a textured portrayal of the experiences of the various service providers. The cases can be used individually, or one service provider can be studied across the various studies.

The text is very straightforward, without complex charts or images that could become distorted. Many of the embedded links are broken and require updating. The links that do work are a very useful way to define and expand upon medical terms used in the case studies.

Grammatical errors are minimal and do not distract from the flow of the text. In one instance the last name Singh is spelled Sing, and one patient named Fred in the text is referred to as Frank in the appendix.

The cases all show examples of health care personnel providing compassionate, client-centered care, and there is no overt discrimination portrayed. Two of the clients are in same-sex marriages and these are shown positively. It is notable, however, that the two cases presenting people of color contain more negative characteristics than the other six cases portraying Caucasian people. The people of color are the only two examples of clients who smoke regularly. In addition, the Indian client drinks and is overweight, while the First Nations client is the only one in the text to have a terminal diagnosis. The Indian client is identified as being Punjabi and attending a mosque, although there are only 2% Muslims in the Punjab province of India. Also, the last name Singh generally indicates a person who is a Hindu or Sikh, not Muslim.

Reviewed by Monica LeJeune, RN Instructor, LSUE on 4/24/20

Has comprehensive unfolding case studies that guide the reader to recognize and manage the scenario presented. Assists in critical thinking process. read more

Has comprehensive unfolding case studies that guide the reader to recognize and manage the scenario presented. Assists in critical thinking process.

Accurately presents health scenarios with real life assessment techniques and patient outcomes.

Relevant to nursing practice.

Clearly written and easily understood.

Consistent with healthcare terminology and framework

Has a good reading flow.

Topics presented in logical fashion

Easy to read.

No grammatical errors noted.

Text is not culturally insensitive or offensive.

Good book to have to teach nursing students.

Reviewed by april jarrell, associate professor, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College on 1/7/20

The text is a great case study tool that is appropriate for nursing school instructors to use in aiding students to learn the nursing process. read more

The text is a great case study tool that is appropriate for nursing school instructors to use in aiding students to learn the nursing process.

The content is accurate and evidence based. There is no bias noted

The content in the text is relevant, up to date for nursing students. It will be easy to update content as needed because the framework allows for addition to the content.

The text is clear and easy to understand.

Framework and terminology is consistent throughout the text; the case study is a continual and takes the student on a journey with the patient. Great for learning!

The case studies can be easily divided into smaller sections to allow for discussions, and weekly studies.

The text and content progress in a logical, clear fashion allowing for progression of learning.

No interface issues noted with this text.

No grammatical errors noted in the text.

No racial or culture insensitivity were noted in the text.

I would recommend this text be used in nursing schools. The use of case studies are helpful for students to learn and practice the nursing process.

Reviewed by Lisa Underwood, Practical Nursing Instructor, NTCC on 12/3/19

The text provides eight comprehensive case studies that showcase the different viewpoints of the many roles involved in patient care. It encompasses the most common seen diagnoses seen across healthcare today. Each case study comes with its own set of learning objectives that can be tweaked to fit several allied health courses. Although the case studies are designed around the Canadian Healthcare System, they are quite easily adaptable to fit most any modern, developed healthcare system.

Content Accuracy rating: 3

Overall, the text is quite accurate. There is one significant error that needs to be addressed. It is located in the DVT case study. In the study, a popliteal artery clot is mislabeled as a DVT. DVTs are located in veins, not in arteries. That said, the case study on the whole is quite good. This case study could be used as a learning tool in the classroom for discussion purposes or as a way to test student understanding of DVTs, on example might be, "Can they spot the error?"

At this time, all of the case studies within the text are current. Healthcare is an ever evolving field that rests on the best evidence based practice. Keeping that in mind, educators can easily adapt the studies as the newest evidence emerges and changes practice in healthcare.

All of the case studies are well written and easy to understand. The text includes several hyperlinks and it also highlights certain medical terminology to prompt readers as a way to enhance their learning experience.

Across the text, the language, style, and format of the case studies are completely consistent.

The text is divided into eight separate case studies. Each case study may be used independently of the others. All case studies are further broken down as the focus patient passes through each aspect of their healthcare system. The text's modularity makes it possible to use a case study as individual work, group projects, class discussions, homework or in a simulation lab.

The case studies and the diagnoses that they cover are presented in such a way that educators and allied health students can easily follow and comprehend.

The book in itself is free of any image distortion and it prints nicely. The text is offered in a variety of digital formats. As noted in the above reviews, some of the hyperlinks have navigational issues. When the reader attempts to access them, a "page not found" message is received.

There were minimal grammatical errors. Some of which may be traced back to the differences in our spelling.

The text is culturally relevant in that it includes patients from many different backgrounds and ethnicities. This allows educators and students to explore cultural relevance and sensitivity needs across all areas in healthcare. I do not believe that the text was in any way insensitive or offensive to the reader.

By using the case studies, it may be possible to have an open dialogue about the differences noted in healthcare systems. Students will have the ability to compare and contrast the Canadian healthcare system with their own. I also firmly believe that by using these case studies, students can improve their critical thinking skills. These case studies help them to "put it all together".

Reviewed by Melanie McGrath, Associate Professor, TRAILS on 11/29/19

The text covered some of the most common conditions seen by healthcare providers in a hospital setting, which forms a solid general base for the discussions based on each case. read more

The text covered some of the most common conditions seen by healthcare providers in a hospital setting, which forms a solid general base for the discussions based on each case.

I saw no areas of inaccuracy

As in all healthcare texts, treatments and/or tests will change frequently. However, everything is currently up-to-date thus it should be a good reference for several years.

Each case is written so that any level of healthcare student would understand. Hyperlinks in the text is also very helpful.

All of the cases are written in a similar fashion.

Although not structured as a typical text, each case is easily assigned as a stand-alone.

Each case is organized clearly in an appropriate manner.

I did not see any issues.

I did not see any grammatical errors

The text seemed appropriately inclusive. There are no pediatric cases and no cases of intellectually-impaired patients, but those types of cases introduce more advanced problem-solving which perhaps exceed the scope of the text. May be a good addition to the text.

I found this text to be an excellent resource for healthcare students in a variety of fields. It would be best utilized in inter professional courses to help guide discussion.

Reviewed by Lynne Umbarger, Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, Emory and Henry College on 11/26/19

While the book does not cover every scenario, the ones in the book are quite common and troublesome for inexperienced allied health students. The information in the book is thorough enough, and I have found the cases easy to modify for educational purposes. The material was easily understood by the students but challenging enough for classroom discussion. There are no mentions in the book about occupational therapy, but it is easy enough to add a couple words and make inclusion simple.

Very nice lab values are provided in the case study, making it more realistic for students.

These case studies focus on commonly encountered diagnoses for allied health and nursing students. They are comprehensive, realistic, and easily understood. The only difference is that the hospital in one case allows the patient's dog to visit in the room (highly unusual in US hospitals).

The material is easily understood by allied health students. The cases have links to additional learning materials for concepts that may be less familiar or should be explored further in a particular health field.

The language used in the book is consistent between cases. The framework is the same with each case which makes it easier to locate areas that would be of interest to a particular allied health profession.

The case studies are comprehensive but well-organized. They are short enough to be useful for class discussion or a full-blown assignment. The students seem to understand the material and have not expressed that any concepts or details were missing.

Each case is set up like the other cases. There are learning objectives at the beginning of each case to facilitate using the case, and it is easy enough to pull out material to develop useful activities and assignments.

There is a quick chart in the Appendix to allow the reader to determine the professions involved in each case as well as the pertinent settings and diagnoses for each case study. The contents are easy to access even while reading the book.

As a person who attends carefully to grammar, I found no errors in all of the material I read in this book.

There are a greater number of people of different ethnicities, socioeconomic status, ages, and genders to make this a very useful book. With each case, I could easily picture the person in the case. This book appears to be Canadian and more inclusive than most American books.

I was able to use this book the first time I accessed it to develop a classroom activity for first-year occupational therapy students and a more comprehensive activity for second-year students. I really appreciate the links to a multitude of terminology and medical lab values/issues for each case. I will keep using this book.

Reviewed by Cindy Krentz, Assistant Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 6/15/19

The book covers eight case studies of common inpatient or emergency department scenarios. I appreciated that they had written out the learning objectives. I liked that the patient was described before the case was started, giving some understanding of the patient's background. I think it could benefit from having a glossary. I liked how the authors included the vital signs in an easily readable bar. I would have liked to see the labs also highlighted like this. I also felt that it would have been good written in a 'what would you do next?' type of case study.

The book is very accurate in language, what tests would be prudent to run and in the day in the life of the hospital in all cases. One inaccuracy is that the authors called a popliteal artery clot a DVT. The rest of the DVT case study was great, though, but the one mistake should be changed.

The book is up to date for now, but as tests become obsolete and new equipment is routinely used, the book ( like any other health textbook) will need to be updated. It would be easy to change, however. All that would have to happen is that the authors go in and change out the test to whatever newer, evidence-based test is being utilized.

The text is written clearly and easy to understand from a student's perspective. There is not too much technical jargon, and it is pretty universal when used- for example DVT for Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The book is consistent in language and how it is broken down into case studies. The same format is used for highlighting vital signs throughout the different case studies. It's great that the reader does not have to read the book in a linear fashion. Each case study can be read without needing to read the others.

The text is broken down into eight case studies, and within the case studies is broken down into days. It is consistent and shows how the patient can pass through the different hospital departments (from the ER to the unit, to surgery, to home) in a realistic manner. The instructor could use one or more of the case studies as (s)he sees fit.

The topics are eight different case studies- and are presented very clearly and organized well. Each one is broken down into how the patient goes through the system. The text is easy to follow and logical.

The interface has some problems with the highlighted blue links. Some of them did not work and I got a 'page not found' message. That can be frustrating for the reader. I'm wondering if a glossary could be utilized (instead of the links) to explain what some of these links are supposed to explain.

I found two or three typos, I don't think they were grammatical errors. In one case I think the Canadian spelling and the United States spelling of the word are just different.

This is a very culturally competent book. In today's world, however, one more type of background that would merit delving into is the trans-gender, GLBTQI person. I was glad that there were no stereotypes.

I enjoyed reading the text. It was interesting and relevant to today's nursing student. Since we are becoming more interprofessional, I liked that we saw what the phlebotomist and other ancillary personnel (mostly different technicians) did. I think that it could become even more interdisciplinary so colleges and universities could have more interprofessional education- courses or simulations- with the addition of the nurse using social work, nutrition, or other professional health care majors.

Reviewed by Catherine J. Grott, Interim Director, Health Administration Program, TRAILS on 5/5/19

The book is comprehensive but is specifically written for healthcare workers practicing in Canada. The title of the book should reflect this. read more

The book is comprehensive but is specifically written for healthcare workers practicing in Canada. The title of the book should reflect this.

The book is accurate, however it has numerous broken online links.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The content is very relevant, but some links are out-dated. For example, WHO Guidelines for Safe Surgery 2009 (p. 186) should be updated.

The book is written in clear and concise language. The side stories about the healthcare workers make the text interesting.

The book is consistent in terms of terminology and framework. Some terms that are emphasized in one case study are not emphasized (with online links) in the other case studies. All of the case studies should have the same words linked to online definitions.

Modularity rating: 3

The book can easily be parsed out if necessary. However, the way the case studies have been written, it's evident that different authors contributed singularly to each case study.

The organization and flow are good.

Interface rating: 1

There are numerous broken online links and "pages not found."

The grammar and punctuation are correct. There are two errors detected: p. 120 a space between the word "heart" and the comma; also a period is needed after Dr (p. 113).

I'm not quite sure that the social worker (p. 119) should comment that the patient and partner are "very normal people."

There are roughly 25 broken online links or "pages not found." The BC & Canadian Guidelines (p. 198) could also include a link to US guidelines to make the text more universal . The basilar crackles (p. 166) is very good. Text could be used compare US and Canadian healthcare. Text could be enhanced to teach "soft skills" and interdepartmental communication skills in healthcare.

Reviewed by Lindsey Henry, Practical Nursing Instructor, Fletcher on 5/1/19

I really appreciated how in the introduction, five learning objectives were identified for students. These objectives are paramount in nursing care and they are each spelled out for the learner. Each Case study also has its own learning... read more

As a seasoned nurse, I believe that the content regarding pathophysiology and treatments used in the case studies were accurate. I really appreciated how many of the treatments were also explained and rationales were given, which can be very helpful to facilitate effective learning for a nursing student or novice nurse.

The case studies are up to date and correlate with the current time period. They are easily understood.

I really loved how several important medical terms, including specific treatments were highlighted to alert the reader. Many interventions performed were also explained further, which is great to enhance learning for the nursing student or novice nurse. Also, with each scenario, a background and history of the patient is depicted, as well as the perspectives of the patient, patients family member, and the primary nurse. This really helps to give the reader a full picture of the day in the life of a nurse or a patient, and also better facilitates the learning process of the reader.

These case studies are consistent. They begin with report, the patient background or updates on subsequent days, and follow the patients all the way through discharge. Once again, I really appreciate how this book describes most if not all aspects of patient care on a day to day basis.

Each case study is separated into days. While they can be divided to be assigned at different points within the course, they also build on each other. They show trends in vital signs, what happens when a patient deteriorates, what happens when they get better and go home. Showing the entire process from ER admit to discharge is really helpful to enhance the students learning experience.

The topics are all presented very similarly and very clearly. The way that the scenarios are explained could even be understood by a non-nursing student as well. The case studies are very clear and very thorough.

The book is very easy to navigate, prints well on paper, and is not distorted or confusing.

I did not see any grammatical errors.

Each case study involves a different type of patient. These differences include race, gender, sexual orientation and medical backgrounds. I do not feel the text was offensive to the reader.

I teach practical nursing students and after reading this book, I am looking forward to implementing it in my classroom. Great read for nursing students!

Reviewed by Leah Jolly, Instructor, Clinical Coordinator, Oregon Institute of Technology on 4/10/19

Good variety of cases and pathologies covered. read more

Good variety of cases and pathologies covered.

Content Accuracy rating: 2

Some examples and scenarios are not completely accurate. For example in the DVT case, the sonographer found thrombus in the "popliteal artery", which according to the book indicated presence of DVT. However in DVT, thrombus is located in the vein, not the artery. The patient would also have much different symptoms if located in the artery. Perhaps some of these inaccuracies are just typos, but in real-life situations this simple mistake can make a world of difference in the patient's course of treatment and outcomes.

Good examples of interprofessional collaboration. If only it worked this way on an every day basis!

Clear and easy to read for those with knowledge of medical terminology.

Good consistency overall.

Broken up well.

Topics are clear and logical.

Would be nice to simply click through to the next page, rather than going through the table of contents each time.

Minor typos/grammatical errors.

No offensive or insensitive materials observed.

Reviewed by Alex Sargsyan, Doctor of Nursing Practice/Assistant Professor , East Tennessee State University on 10/8/18

Because of the case study character of the book it does not have index or glossary. However it has summary for each health case study outlining key elements discussed in each case study. read more

Because of the case study character of the book it does not have index or glossary. However it has summary for each health case study outlining key elements discussed in each case study.

Overall the book is accurately depicting the clinical environment. There are numerous references to external sites. While most of them are correct, some of them are not working. For example Homan’s test link is not working "404 error"

Book is relevant in its current version and can be used in undergraduate and graduate classes. That said, the longevity of the book may be limited because of the character of the clinical education. Clinical guidelines change constantly and it may require a major update of the content.

Cases are written very clearly and have realistic description of an inpatient setting.

The book is easy to read and consistent in the language in all eight cases.

The cases are very well written. Each case is subdivided into logical segments. The segments reflect different setting where the patient is being seen. There is a flow and transition between the settings.

Book has eight distinct cases. This is a great format for a book that presents distinct clinical issues. This will allow the students to have immersive experiences and gain better understanding of the healthcare environment.

Book is offered in many different formats. Besides the issues with the links mentioned above, overall navigation of the book content is very smooth.

Book is very well written and has no grammatical errors.

Book is culturally relevant. Patients in the case studies come different cultures and represent diverse ethnicities.

Reviewed by Justin Berry, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director, Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks, MN on 8/2/18

This text provides eight patient case studies from a variety of diagnoses, which can be utilized by healthcare students from multiple disciplines. The cases are comprehensive and can be helpful for students to determine professional roles, interprofessional roles, when to initiate communication with other healthcare practitioners due to a change in patient status, and treatment ideas. Some additional patient information, such as lab values, would have been beneficial to include.

Case study information is accurate and unbiased.

Content is up to date. The case studies are written in a way so that they will not be obsolete soon, even with changes in healthcare.

The case studies are well written, and can be utilized for a variety of classroom assignments, discussions, and projects. Some additional lab value information for each patient would have been a nice addition.

The case studies are consistently organized to make it easy for the reader to determine the framework.

The text is broken up into eight different case studies for various patient diagnoses. This design makes it highly modular, and would be easy to assign at different points of a course.

The flow of the topics are presented consistently in a logical manner. Each case study follows a patient chronologically, making it easy to determine changes in patient status and treatment options.

The text is free of interface issues, with no distortion of images or charts.

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. Patients are represented from a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds

This book would be a good addition for many different health programs.

Reviewed by Ann Bell-Pfeifer, Instructor/Program Director, Minnesota State Community and Technical College on 5/21/18

The book gives a comprehensive overview of many types of cases for patient conditions. Emergency Room patients may arrive with COPD, heart failure, sepsis, pneumonia, or as motor vehicle accident victims. It is directed towards nurses, medical laboratory technologists, medical radiology technologists, and respiratory therapists and their roles in caring for patients. Most of the overview is accurate. One suggestion is to provide an embedded radiologist interpretation of the exams which are performed which lead to the patients diagnosis.

Overall the book is accurate. Would like to see updates related to the addition of direct radiography technology which is commonly used in the hospital setting.

Many aspects of medicine will remain constant. The case studies seem fairly accurate and may be relevant for up to 3 years. Since technology changes so quickly in medicine, the CT and x-ray components may need minor updates within a few years.

The book clarity is excellent.

The case stories are consistent with each scenario. It is easy to follow the structure and learn from the content.

The book is quite modular. It is easy to break it up into cases and utilize them individually and sequentially.

The cases are listed by disease process and follow a logical flow through each condition. They are easy to follow as they have the same format from the beginning to the end of each case.

The interface seems seamless. Hyperlinks are inserted which provide descriptions and references to medical procedures and in depth definitions.

The book is free of most grammatical errors. There is a place where a few words do not fit the sentence structure and could be a typo.

The book included all types of relationships and ethnic backgrounds. One type which could be added is a transgender patient.

I think the book was quite useful for a variety of health care professionals. The authors did an excellent job of integrating patient cases which could be applied to the health care setting. The stories seemed real and relevant. This book could be used to teach health care professionals about integrated care within the emergency department.

Reviewed by Shelley Wolfe, Assistant Professor, Winona State University on 5/21/18

This text is comprised of comprehensive, detailed case studies that provide the reader with multiple character views throughout a patient’s encounter with the health care system. The Table of Contents accurately reflected the content. It should be noted that the authors include a statement that conveys that this text is not like traditional textbooks and is not meant to be read in a linear fashion. This allows the educator more flexibility to use the text as a supplement to enhance learning opportunities.

The content of the text appears accurate and unbiased. The “five overarching learning objectives” provide a clear aim of the text and the educator is able to glean how these objectives are captured into each of the case studies. While written for the Canadian healthcare system, this text is easily adaptable to the American healthcare system.

Overall, the content is up-to-date and the case studies provide a variety of uses that promote longevity of the text. However, not all of the blue font links (if using the digital PDF version) were still in working order. I encountered links that led to error pages or outdated “page not found” websites. While the links can be helpful, continued maintenance of these links could prove time-consuming.

I found the text easy to read and understand. I enjoyed that the viewpoints of all the different roles (patient, nurse, lab personnel, etc.) were articulated well and allowed the reader to connect and gain appreciation of the entire healthcare team. Medical jargon was noted to be appropriate for the intended audience of this text.

The terminology and organization of this text is consistent.

The text is divided into 8 case studies that follow a similar organizational structure. The case studies can further be divided to focus on individual learning objectives. For example, the case studies could be looked at as a whole for discussing communication or could be broken down into segments to focus on disease risk factors.

The case studies in this text follow a similar organizational structure and are consistent in their presentation. The flow of individual case studies is excellent and sets the reader on a clear path. As noted previously, this text is not meant to be read in a linear fashion.

This text is available in many different forms. I chose to review the text in the digital PDF version in order to use the embedded links. I did not encounter significant interface issues and did not find any images or features that would distract or confuse a reader.

No significant grammatical errors were noted.

The case studies in this text included patients and healthcare workers from a variety of backgrounds. Educators and students will benefit from expanding the case studies to include discussions and other learning opportunities to help develop culturally-sensitive healthcare providers.

I found the case studies to be very detailed, yet written in a way in which they could be used in various manners. The authors note a variety of ways in which the case studies could be employed with students; however, I feel the authors could also include that the case studies could be used as a basis for simulated clinical experiences. The case studies in this text would be an excellent tool for developing interprofessional communication and collaboration skills in a variety healthcare students.

Reviewed by Darline Foltz, Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati - Clermont College on 3/27/18

This book covers all areas listed in the Table of Contents. In addition to the detailed patient case studies, there is a helpful section of "How to Use this Resource". I would like to note that this resource "aligns with the open textbooks... read more

The book appears to be accurate. Although one of the learning outcomes is as follows: "Demonstrate an understanding of the Canadian healthcare delivery system.", I did not find anything that is ONLY specific to the Canadian healthcare delivery system other than some of the terminology, i.e. "porter" instead of "transporter" and a few french words. I found this to make the book more interesting for students rather than deter from it. These are patient case studies that are relevant in any country.

The content is up-to-date. Changes in medical science may occur, i.e. a different test, to treat a diagnosis that is included in one or more of the case studies, however, it would be easy and straightforward to implement these changes.

This book is written in lucid, accessible prose. The technical/medical terminology that is used is appropriate for medical and allied health professionals. Something that would improve this text would to provide a glossary of terms for the terms in blue font.

This book is consistent with current medical terminology

This text is easily divided into each of the 6 case studies. The case studies can be used singly according to the body system being addressed or studied.

Because this text is a collection of case studies, flow doesn't pertain, however the organization and structure of the case studies are excellent as they are clear and easy to read.

There are no distractions in this text that would distract or confuse the reader.

I did not identify any grammatical errors.

This text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way and uses patients and healthcare workers that are of a variety of races, ethnicities and backgrounds.

I believe that this text would not only be useful to students enrolled in healthcare professions involved in direct patient care but would also be useful to students in supporting healthcare disciplines such as health information technology and management, medical billing and coding, etc.

Introduction

Case Study #1: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Learning Objectives
Patient: Erin Johns
Emergency Room

Case Study #2: Pneumonia

Day 0: Emergency Room
Day 1: Emergency Room
Day 1: Medical Ward
Day 2: Medical Ward
Day 3: Medical Ward
Day 4: Medical Ward

Case Study #3: Unstable Angina (UA)

Patient: Harj Singh

Case Study #4: Heart Failure (HF)

Patient: Meryl Smith
In the Supermarket
Day 0: Medical Ward

Case Study #5: Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC)

Patient: Aaron Knoll
Crash Scene
Operating Room
Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Surgical Ward

Case Study #6: Sepsis

Patient: George Thomas
Sleepy Hollow Care Facility

Case Study #7: Colon Cancer

Patient: Fred Johnson
Two Months Ago
Pre-Surgery Admission

Case Study #8: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Patient: Jamie Douglas

Appendix: Overview About the Authors

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Health Case Studies is composed of eight separate health case studies. Each case study includes the patient narrative or story that models the best practice (at the time of publishing) in healthcare settings. Associated with each case is a set of specific learning objectives to support learning and facilitate educational strategies and evaluation.

The case studies can be used online in a learning management system, in a classroom discussion, in a printed course pack or as part of a textbook created by the instructor. This flexibility is intentional and allows the educator to choose how best to convey the concepts presented in each case to the learner.

Because these case studies were primarily developed for an electronic healthcare system, they are based predominantly in an acute healthcare setting. Educators can augment each case study to include primary healthcare settings, outpatient clinics, assisted living environments, and other contexts as relevant.

About the Contributors

Glynda Rees teaches at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Vancouver, British Columbia. She completed her MSN at the University of British Columbia with a focus on education and health informatics, and her BSN at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Glynda has many years of national and international clinical experience in critical care units in South Africa, the UK, and the USA. Her teaching background has focused on clinical education, problem-based learning, clinical techniques, and pharmacology.

Glynda‘s interests include the integration of health informatics in undergraduate education, open accessible education, and the impact of educational technologies on nursing students’ clinical judgment and decision making at the point of care to improve patient safety and quality of care.

Faculty member in the critical care nursing program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) since 2003, Rob has been a critical care nurse for over 25 years with 17 years practicing in a quaternary care intensive care unit. Rob is an experienced educator and supports student learning in the classroom, online, and in clinical areas. Rob’s Master of Education from Simon Fraser University is in educational technology and learning design. He is passionate about using technology to support learning for both faculty and students.

Part of Rob’s faculty position is dedicated to providing high fidelity simulation support for BCIT’s nursing specialties program along with championing innovative teaching and best practices for educational technology. He has championed the use of digital publishing and was the tech lead for Critical Care Nursing’s iPad Project which resulted in over 40 multi-touch interactive textbooks being created using Apple and other technologies.

Rob has successfully completed a number of specialist certifications in computer and network technologies. In 2015, he was awarded Apple Distinguished Educator for his innovation and passionate use of technology to support learning. In the past five years, he has presented and published abstracts on virtual simulation, high fidelity simulation, creating engaging classroom environments, and what the future holds for healthcare and education.

Janet Morrison is the Program Head of Occupational Health Nursing at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Burnaby, British Columbia. She completed a PhD at Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology, with a focus on health information technology. Her dissertation examined the effects of telehealth implementation in an occupational health nursing service. She has an MA in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University and an MA in Library and Information Studies from the University of British Columbia.

Janet’s research interests concern the intended and unintended impacts of health information technologies on healthcare students, faculty, and the healthcare workforce.

She is currently working with BCIT colleagues to study how an educational clinical information system can foster healthcare students’ perceptions of interprofessional roles.

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Roberta Heale 1 ,
Alison Twycross 2
1 School of Nursing , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Ontario , Canada
2 School of Health and Social Care , London South Bank University , London , UK
Correspondence to Dr Roberta Heale, School of Nursing, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada; rheale{at}laurentian.ca

https://doi.org/10.1136/eb-2017-102845

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What is it?

Case study is a research methodology, typically seen in social and life sciences. There is no one definition of case study research. 1 However, very simply… ‘a case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units’. 1 A case study has also been described as an intensive, systematic investigation of a single individual, group, community or some other unit in which the researcher examines in-depth data relating to several variables. 2

Often there are several similar cases to consider such as educational or social service programmes that are delivered from a number of locations. Although similar, they are complex and have unique features. In these circumstances, the evaluation of several, similar cases will provide a better answer to a research question than if only one case is examined, hence the multiple-case study. Stake asserts that the cases are grouped and viewed as one entity, called the quintain . 6 ‘We study what is similar and different about the cases to understand the quintain better’. 6

The steps when using case study methodology are the same as for other types of research. 6 The first step is defining the single case or identifying a group of similar cases that can then be incorporated into a multiple-case study. A search to determine what is known about the case(s) is typically conducted. This may include a review of the literature, grey literature, media, reports and more, which serves to establish a basic understanding of the cases and informs the development of research questions. Data in case studies are often, but not exclusively, qualitative in nature. In multiple-case studies, analysis within cases and across cases is conducted. Themes arise from the analyses and assertions about the cases as a whole, or the quintain, emerge. 6

Benefits and limitations of case studies

If a researcher wants to study a specific phenomenon arising from a particular entity, then a single-case study is warranted and will allow for a in-depth understanding of the single phenomenon and, as discussed above, would involve collecting several different types of data. This is illustrated in example 1 below.

Using a multiple-case research study allows for a more in-depth understanding of the cases as a unit, through comparison of similarities and differences of the individual cases embedded within the quintain. Evidence arising from multiple-case studies is often stronger and more reliable than from single-case research. Multiple-case studies allow for more comprehensive exploration of research questions and theory development. 6

Despite the advantages of case studies, there are limitations. The sheer volume of data is difficult to organise and data analysis and integration strategies need to be carefully thought through. There is also sometimes a temptation to veer away from the research focus. 2 Reporting of findings from multiple-case research studies is also challenging at times, 1 particularly in relation to the word limits for some journal papers.

Examples of case studies

Example 1: nurses’ paediatric pain management practices.

One of the authors of this paper (AT) has used a case study approach to explore nurses’ paediatric pain management practices. This involved collecting several datasets:

Observational data to gain a picture about actual pain management practices.

Questionnaire data about nurses’ knowledge about paediatric pain management practices and how well they felt they managed pain in children.

Questionnaire data about how critical nurses perceived pain management tasks to be.

These datasets were analysed separately and then compared 7–9 and demonstrated that nurses’ level of theoretical did not impact on the quality of their pain management practices. 7 Nor did individual nurse’s perceptions of how critical a task was effect the likelihood of them carrying out this task in practice. 8 There was also a difference in self-reported and observed practices 9 ; actual (observed) practices did not confirm to best practice guidelines, whereas self-reported practices tended to.

Example 2: quality of care for complex patients at Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLCs)

The other author of this paper (RH) has conducted a multiple-case study to determine the quality of care for patients with complex clinical presentations in NPLCs in Ontario, Canada. 10 Five NPLCs served as individual cases that, together, represented the quatrain. Three types of data were collected including:

Review of documentation related to the NPLC model (media, annual reports, research articles, grey literature and regulatory legislation).

Interviews with nurse practitioners (NPs) practising at the five NPLCs to determine their perceptions of the impact of the NPLC model on the quality of care provided to patients with multimorbidity.

Chart audits conducted at the five NPLCs to determine the extent to which evidence-based guidelines were followed for patients with diabetes and at least one other chronic condition.

The three sources of data collected from the five NPLCs were analysed and themes arose related to the quality of care for complex patients at NPLCs. The multiple-case study confirmed that nurse practitioners are the primary care providers at the NPLCs, and this positively impacts the quality of care for patients with multimorbidity. Healthcare policy, such as lack of an increase in salary for NPs for 10 years, has resulted in issues in recruitment and retention of NPs at NPLCs. This, along with insufficient resources in the communities where NPLCs are located and high patient vulnerability at NPLCs, have a negative impact on the quality of care. 10

These examples illustrate how collecting data about a single case or multiple cases helps us to better understand the phenomenon in question. Case study methodology serves to provide a framework for evaluation and analysis of complex issues. It shines a light on the holistic nature of nursing practice and offers a perspective that informs improved patient care.

Gustafsson J
Calanzaro M
Sandelowski M

Competing interests None declared.

Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

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Published: 27 June 2011

The case study approach

Sarah Crowe 1 ,
Kathrin Cresswell 2 ,
Ann Robertson 2 ,
Guro Huby 3 ,
Anthony Avery 1 &
Aziz Sheikh 2

BMC Medical Research Methodology volume 11 , Article number: 100 ( 2011 ) Cite this article

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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.

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Introduction

The case study approach is particularly useful to employ when there is a need to obtain an in-depth appreciation of an issue, event or phenomenon of interest, in its natural real-life context. Our aim in writing this piece is to provide insights into when to consider employing this approach and an overview of key methodological considerations in relation to the design, planning, analysis, interpretation and reporting of case studies.

The illustrative 'grand round', 'case report' and 'case series' have a long tradition in clinical practice and research. Presenting detailed critiques, typically of one or more patients, aims to provide insights into aspects of the clinical case and, in doing so, illustrate broader lessons that may be learnt. In research, the conceptually-related case study approach can be used, for example, to describe in detail a patient's episode of care, explore professional attitudes to and experiences of a new policy initiative or service development or more generally to 'investigate contemporary phenomena within its real-life context' [ 1 ]. Based on our experiences of conducting a range of case studies, we reflect on when to consider using this approach, discuss the key steps involved and illustrate, with examples, some of the practical challenges of attaining an in-depth understanding of a 'case' as an integrated whole. In keeping with previously published work, we acknowledge the importance of theory to underpin the design, selection, conduct and interpretation of case studies[ 2 ]. In so doing, we make passing reference to the different epistemological approaches used in case study research by key theoreticians and methodologists in this field of enquiry.

This paper is structured around the following main questions: What is a case study? What are case studies used for? How are case studies conducted? What are the potential pitfalls and how can these be avoided? We draw in particular on four of our own recently published examples of case studies (see Tables 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 ) and those of others to illustrate our discussion[ 3 – 7 ].

What is a case study?

A case study is a research approach that is used to generate an in-depth, multi-faceted understanding of a complex issue in its real-life context. It is an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines, particularly in the social sciences. A case study can be defined in a variety of ways (Table 5 ), the central tenet being the need to explore an event or phenomenon in depth and in its natural context. It is for this reason sometimes referred to as a "naturalistic" design; this is in contrast to an "experimental" design (such as a randomised controlled trial) in which the investigator seeks to exert control over and manipulate the variable(s) of interest.

Stake's work has been particularly influential in defining the case study approach to scientific enquiry. He has helpfully characterised three main types of case study: intrinsic , instrumental and collective [ 8 ]. An intrinsic case study is typically undertaken to learn about a unique phenomenon. The researcher should define the uniqueness of the phenomenon, which distinguishes it from all others. In contrast, the instrumental case study uses a particular case (some of which may be better than others) to gain a broader appreciation of an issue or phenomenon. The collective case study involves studying multiple cases simultaneously or sequentially in an attempt to generate a still broader appreciation of a particular issue.

These are however not necessarily mutually exclusive categories. In the first of our examples (Table 1 ), we undertook an intrinsic case study to investigate the issue of recruitment of minority ethnic people into the specific context of asthma research studies, but it developed into a instrumental case study through seeking to understand the issue of recruitment of these marginalised populations more generally, generating a number of the findings that are potentially transferable to other disease contexts[ 3 ]. In contrast, the other three examples (see Tables 2 , 3 and 4 ) employed collective case study designs to study the introduction of workforce reconfiguration in primary care, the implementation of electronic health records into hospitals, and to understand the ways in which healthcare students learn about patient safety considerations[ 4 – 6 ]. Although our study focusing on the introduction of General Practitioners with Specialist Interests (Table 2 ) was explicitly collective in design (four contrasting primary care organisations were studied), is was also instrumental in that this particular professional group was studied as an exemplar of the more general phenomenon of workforce redesign[ 4 ].

What are case studies used for?

According to Yin, case studies can be used to explain, describe or explore events or phenomena in the everyday contexts in which they occur[ 1 ]. These can, for example, help to understand and explain causal links and pathways resulting from a new policy initiative or service development (see Tables 2 and 3 , for example)[ 1 ]. In contrast to experimental designs, which seek to test a specific hypothesis through deliberately manipulating the environment (like, for example, in a randomised controlled trial giving a new drug to randomly selected individuals and then comparing outcomes with controls),[ 9 ] the case study approach lends itself well to capturing information on more explanatory ' how ', 'what' and ' why ' questions, such as ' how is the intervention being implemented and received on the ground?'. The case study approach can offer additional insights into what gaps exist in its delivery or why one implementation strategy might be chosen over another. This in turn can help develop or refine theory, as shown in our study of the teaching of patient safety in undergraduate curricula (Table 4 )[ 6 , 10 ]. Key questions to consider when selecting the most appropriate study design are whether it is desirable or indeed possible to undertake a formal experimental investigation in which individuals and/or organisations are allocated to an intervention or control arm? Or whether the wish is to obtain a more naturalistic understanding of an issue? The former is ideally studied using a controlled experimental design, whereas the latter is more appropriately studied using a case study design.

Case studies may be approached in different ways depending on the epistemological standpoint of the researcher, that is, whether they take a critical (questioning one's own and others' assumptions), interpretivist (trying to understand individual and shared social meanings) or positivist approach (orientating towards the criteria of natural sciences, such as focusing on generalisability considerations) (Table 6 ). Whilst such a schema can be conceptually helpful, it may be appropriate to draw on more than one approach in any case study, particularly in the context of conducting health services research. Doolin has, for example, noted that in the context of undertaking interpretative case studies, researchers can usefully draw on a critical, reflective perspective which seeks to take into account the wider social and political environment that has shaped the case[ 11 ].

How are case studies conducted?

Here, we focus on the main stages of research activity when planning and undertaking a case study; the crucial stages are: defining the case; selecting the case(s); collecting and analysing the data; interpreting data; and reporting the findings.

Defining the case

Carefully formulated research question(s), informed by the existing literature and a prior appreciation of the theoretical issues and setting(s), are all important in appropriately and succinctly defining the case[ 8 , 12 ]. Crucially, each case should have a pre-defined boundary which clarifies the nature and time period covered by the case study (i.e. its scope, beginning and end), the relevant social group, organisation or geographical area of interest to the investigator, the types of evidence to be collected, and the priorities for data collection and analysis (see Table 7 )[ 1 ]. A theory driven approach to defining the case may help generate knowledge that is potentially transferable to a range of clinical contexts and behaviours; using theory is also likely to result in a more informed appreciation of, for example, how and why interventions have succeeded or failed[ 13 ].

For example, in our evaluation of the introduction of electronic health records in English hospitals (Table 3 ), we defined our cases as the NHS Trusts that were receiving the new technology[ 5 ]. Our focus was on how the technology was being implemented. However, if the primary research interest had been on the social and organisational dimensions of implementation, we might have defined our case differently as a grouping of healthcare professionals (e.g. doctors and/or nurses). The precise beginning and end of the case may however prove difficult to define. Pursuing this same example, when does the process of implementation and adoption of an electronic health record system really begin or end? Such judgements will inevitably be influenced by a range of factors, including the research question, theory of interest, the scope and richness of the gathered data and the resources available to the research team.

Selecting the case(s)

The decision on how to select the case(s) to study is a very important one that merits some reflection. In an intrinsic case study, the case is selected on its own merits[ 8 ]. The case is selected not because it is representative of other cases, but because of its uniqueness, which is of genuine interest to the researchers. This was, for example, the case in our study of the recruitment of minority ethnic participants into asthma research (Table 1 ) as our earlier work had demonstrated the marginalisation of minority ethnic people with asthma, despite evidence of disproportionate asthma morbidity[ 14 , 15 ]. In another example of an intrinsic case study, Hellstrom et al.[ 16 ] studied an elderly married couple living with dementia to explore how dementia had impacted on their understanding of home, their everyday life and their relationships.

For an instrumental case study, selecting a "typical" case can work well[ 8 ]. In contrast to the intrinsic case study, the particular case which is chosen is of less importance than selecting a case that allows the researcher to investigate an issue or phenomenon. For example, in order to gain an understanding of doctors' responses to health policy initiatives, Som undertook an instrumental case study interviewing clinicians who had a range of responsibilities for clinical governance in one NHS acute hospital trust[ 17 ]. Sampling a "deviant" or "atypical" case may however prove even more informative, potentially enabling the researcher to identify causal processes, generate hypotheses and develop theory.

In collective or multiple case studies, a number of cases are carefully selected. This offers the advantage of allowing comparisons to be made across several cases and/or replication. Choosing a "typical" case may enable the findings to be generalised to theory (i.e. analytical generalisation) or to test theory by replicating the findings in a second or even a third case (i.e. replication logic)[ 1 ]. Yin suggests two or three literal replications (i.e. predicting similar results) if the theory is straightforward and five or more if the theory is more subtle. However, critics might argue that selecting 'cases' in this way is insufficiently reflexive and ill-suited to the complexities of contemporary healthcare organisations.

The selected case study site(s) should allow the research team access to the group of individuals, the organisation, the processes or whatever else constitutes the chosen unit of analysis for the study. Access is therefore a central consideration; the researcher needs to come to know the case study site(s) well and to work cooperatively with them. Selected cases need to be not only interesting but also hospitable to the inquiry [ 8 ] if they are to be informative and answer the research question(s). Case study sites may also be pre-selected for the researcher, with decisions being influenced by key stakeholders. For example, our selection of case study sites in the evaluation of the implementation and adoption of electronic health record systems (see Table 3 ) was heavily influenced by NHS Connecting for Health, the government agency that was responsible for overseeing the National Programme for Information Technology (NPfIT)[ 5 ]. This prominent stakeholder had already selected the NHS sites (through a competitive bidding process) to be early adopters of the electronic health record systems and had negotiated contracts that detailed the deployment timelines.

It is also important to consider in advance the likely burden and risks associated with participation for those who (or the site(s) which) comprise the case study. Of particular importance is the obligation for the researcher to think through the ethical implications of the study (e.g. the risk of inadvertently breaching anonymity or confidentiality) and to ensure that potential participants/participating sites are provided with sufficient information to make an informed choice about joining the study. The outcome of providing this information might be that the emotive burden associated with participation, or the organisational disruption associated with supporting the fieldwork, is considered so high that the individuals or sites decide against participation.

In our example of evaluating implementations of electronic health record systems, given the restricted number of early adopter sites available to us, we sought purposively to select a diverse range of implementation cases among those that were available[ 5 ]. We chose a mixture of teaching, non-teaching and Foundation Trust hospitals, and examples of each of the three electronic health record systems procured centrally by the NPfIT. At one recruited site, it quickly became apparent that access was problematic because of competing demands on that organisation. Recognising the importance of full access and co-operative working for generating rich data, the research team decided not to pursue work at that site and instead to focus on other recruited sites.

Collecting the data

In order to develop a thorough understanding of the case, the case study approach usually involves the collection of multiple sources of evidence, using a range of quantitative (e.g. questionnaires, audits and analysis of routinely collected healthcare data) and more commonly qualitative techniques (e.g. interviews, focus groups and observations). The use of multiple sources of data (data triangulation) has been advocated as a way of increasing the internal validity of a study (i.e. the extent to which the method is appropriate to answer the research question)[ 8 , 18 – 21 ]. An underlying assumption is that data collected in different ways should lead to similar conclusions, and approaching the same issue from different angles can help develop a holistic picture of the phenomenon (Table 2 )[ 4 ].

Brazier and colleagues used a mixed-methods case study approach to investigate the impact of a cancer care programme[ 22 ]. Here, quantitative measures were collected with questionnaires before, and five months after, the start of the intervention which did not yield any statistically significant results. Qualitative interviews with patients however helped provide an insight into potentially beneficial process-related aspects of the programme, such as greater, perceived patient involvement in care. The authors reported how this case study approach provided a number of contextual factors likely to influence the effectiveness of the intervention and which were not likely to have been obtained from quantitative methods alone.

In collective or multiple case studies, data collection needs to be flexible enough to allow a detailed description of each individual case to be developed (e.g. the nature of different cancer care programmes), before considering the emerging similarities and differences in cross-case comparisons (e.g. to explore why one programme is more effective than another). It is important that data sources from different cases are, where possible, broadly comparable for this purpose even though they may vary in nature and depth.

Analysing, interpreting and reporting case studies

Making sense and offering a coherent interpretation of the typically disparate sources of data (whether qualitative alone or together with quantitative) is far from straightforward. Repeated reviewing and sorting of the voluminous and detail-rich data are integral to the process of analysis. In collective case studies, it is helpful to analyse data relating to the individual component cases first, before making comparisons across cases. Attention needs to be paid to variations within each case and, where relevant, the relationship between different causes, effects and outcomes[ 23 ]. Data will need to be organised and coded to allow the key issues, both derived from the literature and emerging from the dataset, to be easily retrieved at a later stage. An initial coding frame can help capture these issues and can be applied systematically to the whole dataset with the aid of a qualitative data analysis software package.

The Framework approach is a practical approach, comprising of five stages (familiarisation; identifying a thematic framework; indexing; charting; mapping and interpretation) , to managing and analysing large datasets particularly if time is limited, as was the case in our study of recruitment of South Asians into asthma research (Table 1 )[ 3 , 24 ]. Theoretical frameworks may also play an important role in integrating different sources of data and examining emerging themes. For example, we drew on a socio-technical framework to help explain the connections between different elements - technology; people; and the organisational settings within which they worked - in our study of the introduction of electronic health record systems (Table 3 )[ 5 ]. Our study of patient safety in undergraduate curricula drew on an evaluation-based approach to design and analysis, which emphasised the importance of the academic, organisational and practice contexts through which students learn (Table 4 )[ 6 ].

Case study findings can have implications both for theory development and theory testing. They may establish, strengthen or weaken historical explanations of a case and, in certain circumstances, allow theoretical (as opposed to statistical) generalisation beyond the particular cases studied[ 12 ]. These theoretical lenses should not, however, constitute a strait-jacket and the cases should not be "forced to fit" the particular theoretical framework that is being employed.

When reporting findings, it is important to provide the reader with enough contextual information to understand the processes that were followed and how the conclusions were reached. In a collective case study, researchers may choose to present the findings from individual cases separately before amalgamating across cases. Care must be taken to ensure the anonymity of both case sites and individual participants (if agreed in advance) by allocating appropriate codes or withholding descriptors. In the example given in Table 3 , we decided against providing detailed information on the NHS sites and individual participants in order to avoid the risk of inadvertent disclosure of identities[ 5 , 25 ].

What are the potential pitfalls and how can these be avoided?

The case study approach is, as with all research, not without its limitations. When investigating the formal and informal ways undergraduate students learn about patient safety (Table 4 ), for example, we rapidly accumulated a large quantity of data. The volume of data, together with the time restrictions in place, impacted on the depth of analysis that was possible within the available resources. This highlights a more general point of the importance of avoiding the temptation to collect as much data as possible; adequate time also needs to be set aside for data analysis and interpretation of what are often highly complex datasets.

Case study research has sometimes been criticised for lacking scientific rigour and providing little basis for generalisation (i.e. producing findings that may be transferable to other settings)[ 1 ]. There are several ways to address these concerns, including: the use of theoretical sampling (i.e. drawing on a particular conceptual framework); respondent validation (i.e. participants checking emerging findings and the researcher's interpretation, and providing an opinion as to whether they feel these are accurate); and transparency throughout the research process (see Table 8 )[ 8 , 18 – 21 , 23 , 26 ]. Transparency can be achieved by describing in detail the steps involved in case selection, data collection, the reasons for the particular methods chosen, and the researcher's background and level of involvement (i.e. being explicit about how the researcher has influenced data collection and interpretation). Seeking potential, alternative explanations, and being explicit about how interpretations and conclusions were reached, help readers to judge the trustworthiness of the case study report. Stake provides a critique checklist for a case study report (Table 9 )[ 8 ].

Conclusions

The case study approach allows, amongst other things, critical events, interventions, policy developments and programme-based service reforms to be studied in detail in a real-life context. It should therefore be considered when an experimental design is either inappropriate to answer the research questions posed or impossible to undertake. Considering the frequency with which implementations of innovations are now taking place in healthcare settings and how well the case study approach lends itself to in-depth, complex health service research, we believe this approach should be more widely considered by researchers. Though inherently challenging, the research case study can, if carefully conceptualised and thoughtfully undertaken and reported, yield powerful insights into many important aspects of health and healthcare delivery.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the participants and colleagues who contributed to the individual case studies that we have drawn on. This work received no direct funding, but it has been informed by projects funded by Asthma UK, the NHS Service Delivery Organisation, NHS Connecting for Health Evaluation Programme, and Patient Safety Research Portfolio. We would also like to thank the expert reviewers for their insightful and constructive feedback. Our thanks are also due to Dr. Allison Worth who commented on an earlier draft of this manuscript.

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Sarah Crowe & Anthony Avery

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AS conceived this article. SC, KC and AR wrote this paper with GH, AA and AS all commenting on various drafts. SC and AS are guarantors.

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Case Study Application of an Ethical Decision-Making Process for a Fragility Hip Fracture Patient

In Canada, up to 32,000 older adults experience a fragility hip fracture. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has implemented strategies to reduce surgical wait times and improve outcomes in target areas. These best practice standards advocate for immediate surgical repair, within 48 hours of admission, in order to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. The majority of patients are good candidates for surgical repair; however, for some patients, given the risks of anesthetic and trauma of the operative procedure, surgery may not be the best choice. Patients and families face a difficult and hurried decision, often with no time to voice their concerns, or with little-to-no information on which to guide their choice. Similarly, health-care providers may experience moral distress or hesitancy to articulate other options, such as palliative care. Is every fragility fracture a candidate for surgery, no matter what the outcome? When is it right to discuss other options with the patient? This article examines a case study via an application of a framework for ethical decision-making.

INTRODUCTION

Every year, over 30,000 Canadian older adults experience a fragility hip fracture. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care of Ontario has promoted best practice recommendations which advocate for immediate surgical repair, within 48 hours of admission, in order to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. ( 1 , 2 ) The majority of patients are good candidates for surgical repair; however, given the risks of anesthetic and trauma of the operative procedure, surgery may not be the best choice for all. The patients at higher risk of poor outcomes perioperatively deserve the opportunity to explore options and articulate their values. Unfortunately, as a short pre-operative interval predicts the best outcomes, patients and families face a difficult and hurried decision, potentially with limited time to voice their concerns, and little to no information on which to guide their decision.

From a systems perspective, quality of care and health outcomes have not always incorporated the patient-centred perspective. ( 3 ) Patient-centred care is “a moral concept and philosophy, considering it to be the right thing to do when designing and delivering respectful, humane, and ethical care”. ( 4 , 5 ) Patients and families have reported in the past that they feel left out of crucial conversations and decisions surrounding care, ( 6 ) and that relevant information is not always provided. ( 7 )

To better understand the underlying ethical complexities which arise from critical decisions in the acute care setting, this paper will examine a case study to demonstrate application of the Corey et al . ( 8 ) 8-step framework (see Appendix A ) for ethical decision-making.

Ms. Jones is 93 years old and lives in a Long Term Care residence. She was admitted to hospital with a fragility hip fracture after being found on the floor in the middle of the night. Ms. Jones has dementia and is unable to make her own decisions. She has limited mobility, previously used a walker. Her two daughters are at her bedside. They state her health has been declining over the last few weeks, with increasing confusion and she now rarely leaves her room.

On admission, the team discovered a pleural effusion, taking up much of her right lung. Her pre-operative assessment also revealed a heart murmur; the resulting echocardiogram demonstrated a heart in very poor condition, with significant valve issues. Between her cardiac and pulmonary function, the surgery poses an increased risk of perioperative complications—she may never survive the surgery, or come off of the ventilator once she is intubated.

Interprofessional teams (surgery, anesthesia, nursing) are of differing opinions. The issue at hand is very difficult. The family is informed that the risk of not having surgery will likely result in death, yet in this patient’s case, proceeding with surgery carries its own risk. The family is left with an hour to think things over. Should they pursue the palliative care route or proceed with surgery?

Step 1. Identify the Problem or Dilemma

In our case study, 93 year old Ms. Jones is admitted to hospital with a fragility hip fracture. As a first step, we must recognize that there is actually an ethical dilemma; in this case, the dilemma is whether the patient should proceed with surgery or not, given her underlying medical conditions and potential for perioperative complications. We also need to acknowledge that there is an underlying assumption from all involved (staff, Ms. Jones’ family) that surgery will occur, and that health-care providers (HCPs) may not clearly articulate the option of ‘no surgical intervention’. The stakeholders who are required to proceed through the decision-making process include the patient and family, the surgical team, anesthesia, nursing staff, social work, and potentially the palliative care team and bioethics team.

Step 2. Identify the Potential Issues Involved

There are several assumptions made when a patient presents to the hospital with a fragility hip fracture: a) the fracture will be repaired; b) the patient will recover; and c) the patient will eventually go home or to rehabilitation. With a critically ill, frail, and/or previously compromised patient, this standard trajectory should be questioned. Barry and Edgman-Levitan ( 9 ) promote an ideology of patient-centredness, with the argument that an intervention should only be considered standard if there is ‘virtual unanimity amongst patients about the overall desirability… of the outcomes’.

The first potential issue is the ‘standard’ intervention of surgical repair—the assumption to proceed with the surgery, as directed by best practice recommendations. Is this standard intervention appropriate in all patients with a fragility hip fracture? A second potential issue arises with the patient and their family—the presumption that the acute medical issue will be resolved and the patient will eventually return home. Given her underlying health, this concept is in jeopardy. To add to the complexity, Ms. Jones is likely not able to articulate her wishes and values, as she has dementia. Finally, there is the potential issue of moral distress experienced by health-care providers (HCPs) who feel uncomfortable with the expectant surgical trajectory of this patient, and may feel they are not empowered to advocate for the wishes of the patient.

As health-care professionals, we are guided by moral principles in our decision-making process, namely, autonomy, non-malfeasance, beneficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity. ( 10 ) A focused examination and application of the principles to the case study will help to support potential resolutions for the identified issues.

The spirit of ‘patient-centred care’ endorses that patients should be involved at their level of choice to make an autonomous decision. ( 11 ) However, it is important to recognize that no decision is made in isolation. ( 12 ) The decision at hand is not a simple or straightforward one; literature demonstrates that patients and families have a difficult time with making decisions at time of a critical illness, identifying fear, worthlessness, and a lack of autonomy within the hospital system. ( 7 ) Differing levels of patient and family participation requires an individualized approach to convey meaningful, accurate, and timely information. ( 8 ) Older adult patients tend to take a ‘non-participative’ stance in their care. They often have limited participation in the process for decision-making for a variety of reasons, thereby increasing the risk of their inability to understand or find value within the end decision. ( 6 , 7 , 13 )

Non-malfeasance

Hospitalization can cause the patient to experience “needless mental and physical suffering” ( 14 ) in any number of ways (i.e., pain, waiting for surgery, uncertainty of outcomes, patient/family relationship stress). Evidence indicates that the number of different HCPs involved causes immense anxiety to the family, especially when they do not hear the same message from all members of the team. ( 13 , 15 ) HCPs must ensure that they are not withholding information, or are untruthful as to the options in order to expedite a decision. A study by Ekdahl, Andersson, and Friedrichsen ( 13 ) found that physicians perceive they are ‘too short’ of time for patients to participate in the decision making process, that decisions were ‘too complex’ and ‘time consuming’ to fit into the schedule. Ekdahl et al. ( 13 ) also found that physicians feel frustration with the ‘health-care production machine’, especially in those older adult patients with multiple co-morbidities.

Beneficence

Beneficence promotes wellbeing; or is an action that is carried out to benefit another. ( 8 ) The hospitalization ‘process’ promotes assessment of a patient, treatment of the illness, followed by a physical approach to recovery (allowing recovery to be measured against specific milestones), and discharge in a timely manner. ( 15 , 16 ) This ‘process’ may promote beneficence in an overarching global perspective of the system; however, on an individual level, it often falls short. On an individual level, key actions that have been found to be beneficial and meaningful are open communication and sharing of information. ( 6 , 7 , 14 , 17 )

“Practitioners have a responsibility to provide appropriate services to all clients”. ( 8 ) Older adult patients may not receive information about options available, especially if the HCPs feel that it would take too much time to thoroughly explain, or if HCPs assume that patients are too ill to participate in the decision-making process, ( 13 ) or if the assumption is made that all patients want to proceed with surgery. Focusing on each older adult’s individual health goals is time-consuming—in this case, the patient has dementia, and a family meeting would be required. The concept of patient-centred care revolves around patient and HCP partnerships, yet older adult patients face unique problems with hospitalization—a slower communication process, a decreased level of functioning, and a degree of family involvement. ( 14 ) Can we provide this type of relationship and communication effort equally for every patient? Or only for those patients who may be at higher risk of negative outcomes?

Fidelity and Veracity

Fidelity involves fulfilling ones’ professional roles, creating a trusting relationship, and veracity ensures that we are truthful and honest to the patients. How do we ensure that as a HCP we are providing an unbiased opinion? Do we take the same amount of time to present patients with the option of conservative, non-surgical treatment, including palliative care, as we take to advocate for surgery? The HCP team assumes that patients will commit to surgery; however, a patient often displays a suboptimal understanding of the risks and benefits of surgery. ( 18 ) Similarly, there is the very real risk of bias towards an argument of palliative care in those frail patients or those with dementia. HCPs must return to the voice of the patient through their family, to understand that patients’ identity, their meaning of life, and desired goals which emphasize the patients’ dignity. ( 12 )

It is important to acknowledge assumptions that the patient and family may have made upon admission to hospital—that surgery will occur and the patient will recover. Have we presented the patient and their family with as much information as they need to make a decision in a clear format (without medical jargon)? In addition to understanding risks of surgery, it is paramount that the family understands the non-surgical option may result in death or decreased function (if any functional ability returns). It is in an acute situation such as this that families require truthful and open communication with physicians, nurses, and other members of the health-care team. ( 11 )

Self Care (HCPs)

Can we consistently provide care that prioritizes a patient’s values? HCPs are not always able to preserve all of the values and interests at stake. ( 19 ) We know that the most common cause of moral distress in nursing is prolonged, aggressive treatment which we do not believe will be likely to have a positive outcome. ( 20 ) As a HCP, we must look to root causes operating within the larger system, to prevent and/or respond to feelings of moral distress. ( 19 )

From a systems perspective, does the hospital provide an avenue for exploration of patient values within a timely fashion? Is there a framework in place to enhance the HCP’s understanding of moral distress and provide strategies for coping with situations such as these (i.e., an opportunity for a team debriefing with the entire team, or opportunities for learning how to deal with situations that may cause moral distress)?

Step 3. Review the Relevant Ethics Codes

The philosophy of patient-centred care within the hospital encourages active listening, respect, and an attempt to understand individuals. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) supports “practicing the profession of medicine in a manner that treats the patient with dignity and as a person worthy of respect”. ( 21 ) The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) supports the view that nurses “must use the client’s views as a starting point”. ( 22 ) Across all HCPs is the similarity of the need to listen, understand, support, and advocate for a respect of patients’ values with the expected course of treatment.

The importance of collaboration with the patient and respecting a patient’s values are highlighted within similar statements: ”…it is the patient who ultimately must make informed choices about the care he or she will receive”. ( 21 )

Step 4. Know the Applicable Laws and Regulations

In Ontario, legislation and common law require that the wishes of patients or substitute decision-makers be respected. ( 22 ) However, in many systems, health care is not truly patient-centred; rather, patients are required to adapt to the system. ( 11 ) A number of initiatives have been undertaken in the last few years in an attempt to improve the focus of patient-centredness, with the principle assertion that patients should be involved at the level of their choice. ( 11 )

Step 5. Obtain Consultation

It is important to realize that we bring our own biases to the decision-making process, making it difficult to view the current patient/family’s situation objectively. As an individual HCP, our previous experiences will have an impact on the messaging that we provide. From a systems perspective, we are likely to pose a ‘knowledge’ bias towards meeting treatment based outcomes—for example, surgery within 48 hours, immediate post-operative mobility, and the expected length of stay for this type of patient.

Inter-disciplinary consultations with patients and their families ensure review of unbiased information about the risks and benefits of proceeding with surgery, allowing for a fully informed decision. In addition to discussing the operative plan with the surgical team, there is an opportunity to provide Ms. Jones’ family with other options that may be available to her. Consultation with extended family members, clergy, social workers, or an ethics team may help the family to reflect on the patient values; what this illness means to them as a family unit, and how best to proceed. A discussion with palliative care may help the family to better understand what symptom management consists of for their mother. Social work may also be able help explore community services available to the family in this situation—for example, is the patient able to return to home with the future of wheelchair dependence? Are there any other options which may be available to this patient and her family that were not originally considered? How do we, as HCPs, ensure that the family is afforded the opportunity to obtain all the necessary information from differing disciplines to make an informed choice?

Step 6. Consider Possible and Probable Courses of Action

In order to fully understand the options, it is helpful to outline all the possible and probable courses of action that are open to Ms. Jones and her family.

Surgical team offers a ‘purposeful pause’ to discover Ms. Jones’ core values; to discuss the consequences of a) delaying surgery, b) proceeding with surgery, and c) the non-surgical intervention. From an ethical and legal perspective, this may meet the concept of patient-centred care, but does not likely provide the patient and her family with all the information they need to make an informed choice. They may have more questions that the surgical team may not be able to answer, or they may request more time to consider. Additionally, the patient and her family would still be expected to adapt to the system in place in order to make a decision within the proposed wait time frame (admission to surgery less than 48 hours).
Advocate for a family meeting with the primary nurse, social work, palliative care team, clergy, internal medicine, in addition to the surgical (surgeon, anesthesia) team, to fully explore both options, and to explore what the ‘non-surgical’ option would mean. From a legal and ethical perspective this embodies the concept of patient-centred care, with as many members of the health-care team at the table to help Ms. Jones’ family fully explore their options.
Apply the current standard of care recommendations to Ms. Jones’ situation, without consideration of the patient’s needs, values, or preferences. From an ethical and legal perspective, this approach does not represent patient-centred care.

Step 7. Enumerate the Consequences of Various Decisions

With the first option, the surgical team takes a ‘purposeful pause’ to discover the patient’s core values and discusses pros and cons of a surgical intervention. Often, this may be most ‘efficient’ way to deal with the situation at hand. It may also be the preference of the patient; some patients have reported that they value this limited level of involvement—“I get a description of what is going to happen”. ( 13 ) As a consequence, there will be a number of patients who will want to have a greater sense of involvement other than a simple description of planned events. The first option does recognize the principle of autonomy, but does not follow the principle of justice; practitioners have the responsibility to provide information about other options which may be available. The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are not completely met, as the team approaches the solution primarily to benefit the system (i.e., efficiency). The principles of fidelity and veracity are also partially met, as the surgical team provides an honest perspective, although it may be biased towards proceeding with surgery.

The second option, offering the patient and her family a meeting with all stakeholders, strongly aligns with the fidelity and veracity principles. The information offered is truthful and complete, and is in Ms. Jones’ best interest, as it attempts to discover her values that will affect the family’s final decision. Principles of beneficence and autonomy would be met with patient empowerment through information sharing, and secondly, by allowing the patient and family to arrive at their own decision with that information. As a consequence, taking the time to arrange for a family meeting with all stakeholders may not be possible for all patients, and the principles of justice and non-maleficence are brought to the forefront for future patients. A potential consequence could be harm to the patient, as the time it takes to arrange a meeting could push the time to surgery beyond the recommended 48 hours post-admission, placing the patient at greater risk of negative post-operative outcomes.

The third option is one of passive action, with a lack of communication and recognition of patient-centred care values. Ms. Jones would be placed on the operating room list, and the surgical repair will occur. Consent must legally be obtained for the surgery; however, the family may not think of key questions to ask that may be relevant in this situation. The onus remains on the HCP to provide a full explanation of all options to the family. The only benefit would be to the system, as the procedure will be carried out in a timely manner. Ms. Jones may benefit from the surgery; we cannot assume that surgery is a negative option. As a consequence of this option, HCPs do not explore patient values, and this option is against almost all of the ethical principles. Additionally, this option is likely to cause the highest moral distress amongst staff, as they are unable to meet the unique needs of Ms. Jones and her family.

Step 8. Choose what Appears to be the Best Course of Action

Virtue ethics asks us if we are doing the best action for our patients, and compels us to be conscious of our behaviours. ( 8 ) We need to take the necessary time to discover the patient’s values within the unique situation they are now experiencing. Simply stated, we need to remember that they are a person, with feelings, emotions, past experiences, future hopes/plans, and usually an element of fear and anxiety. The goal is to work with Ms. Jones and her family to decide together on the current care plan and the best plan for action (or inaction), a plan that truly aligns with the patient’s values.

From an ethical perspective, the best course of action is to hold a family meeting with all stakeholders to discover Ms. Jones’ values about a meaningful life and a meaningful death, and come to a consensus as to what the right decision is for this patient. ( 12 ) The team must ensure that the patient and the family have all the necessary tools in which to make this decision. Have we provided them with all the information required? Do they understand the information? Do they understand the consequences of their decision? From a systems perspective, we need to continue to strive towards engaging patients and family members more fully and consistently in care and decision-making processes. ( 6 ) Dissemination of lessons learned from assisting patients and families through difficult decision-making may be helpful to other health-care teams experiencing similar moral conflicts.

As a next step, the HCP team may consider development of an educational reference for future patients to assist with similar decisions, including promotion of an advanced care plan to help communicate goals and concerns to HCPs. ( 12 , 18 ) Additionally, decision aids, such as videos and brochures, can help deliver information to patients and their families. ( 9 ) The use of readily available technology, such as iPads and cellphones, means that families are better able to access these materials at any time of day. A recent Cochrane Review demonstrated that, in comparison to usual care, decision aids can increase knowledge, resulting in a higher proportion of patients choosing the option which most aligns with their values. ( 23 ) Providing patients with information that outlines potential options with risks and benefits clearly explained can also meet many of the ethical principles that are to be considered with ethical decision-making.

The in-depth review of the case study has helped us to examine the underlying issues that come into play when helping this patient and her family to make a critical decision. Although each patient is an individual, literature tells us that many perceive the concept of patient-centredness to represent an ‘involvement in their care’. The level of involvement may vary from person to person, but all patients want the care they receive to reflect their values and preferences, and to make them feel that they have been treated as a whole person. ( 24 )

Clinicians also like to believe that they deliver patient-centred care, yet the characterization of the concept will vary with the health-care provider, their relationship with the patient, and the circumstances surrounding the admission to hospital. Recognizing that there is potential for an ethical dilemma when patients present with a critical illness is important to ensure that we continue to act upon the key concept of understanding a patients’ values and proceeding to align provision of care with those values.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author wishes to acknowledge Dr. Tracy Trothen (Queen’s University) for her time and expertise as a ‘practical ethicist’.

Appendix AFramework for Ethical Decision-Making (Corey et al ., 2014)

Identify the problem or dilemma
Identify the potential issues involved
Review the relevant ethics codes
Know the applicable laws and regulations
Obtain consultation
Consider possible and probable courses of action
Enumerate the consequences of various decisions
Choose what appears to be the best course of action

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES

The author declares that no conflicts of interest exist.

10 Inspiring Healthcare Marketing Case Studies Examples

November 3, 2022 - Gayatri Akella

According to a survey by Pew Research center , “56% of Internet users look online for information about a certain medical treatment or procedure”.

This statistic indicates that the internet has become the go-to source for individuals seeking answers to their health-related queries.

As the demand for medical information surges in the digital space, the role of effective healthcare marketing has never been more crucial. Moreover, strategic marketing facilitates the distribution of accurate health information, contributing to increased public health awareness and education. This helps cultivate a sense of community, connecting individuals with relevant healthcare resources and services, ultimately promoting a healthier and more informed society.

In this article, we will explore 10 compelling healthcare marketing case studies and discover the impactful practices that are shaping the marketing landscape.

1. What Is Marketing in Healthcare?

Marketing in healthcare involves reaching and connecting with a relevant target audience using online and offline channels. It includes increasing brand reputation and generating qualified leads using strategies like SEO, social media marketing, content marketing , email marketing, TV advertisements, flyers/brochures, and newspaper ads. Healthcare marketing helps you increase patient connections and nurture those relationships to form loyal patients.

2. What Is a Healthcare Marketing Case Study?

A healthcare marketing case study is a detailed examination of a particular case that serves as a framework for evaluating and analysing marketing issues/challenges in real life. It focuses on measurable outcomes like increasing website traffic, visitors, conversions, sales, and profits. Case studies for healthcare marketing are based on evidence. They often begin with a question or challenge that requires an answer through detailed research and analysis.

3. How to Use Case Studies in Healthcare Marketing?

Case studies serve as powerful tools for healthcare marketers, offering real-world examples and actionable insights. Here are some key ways how you can effectively use case studies in your healthcare marketing strategy:

Have a Dedicated Page

You can have an exclusive page on your website to showcase your healthcare marketing case studies. Whether you call it “our work” or “case studies”, – visitors should be able to find it easily. You can add the case study page on the sidebar, page header, or footer to ensure a rich user experience. Here are some case study pages for inspiration. Enabled , Siemens-Healthcare , and Avanade are examples of healthcare websites with an exclusive case study page.

Videos from Case Studies

Videos are persuasive and engaging formats to engage your users compared to text case studies. If you have the budget, you can create videos of your case studies to communicate your value proposition. Below are the healthcare marketing examples that used videos to improve primary care and accessibility – Healthcare Marketing – Video Case Study , Clinical Case Study – Telehealth for Primary Care , and Healthcare .

Incorporate in Newsletters

To gain the attention of your prospects, you can incorporate healthcare marketing case studies in newsletters. Your target audience wants to look at how satisfied your customers are with the solution you have provided. By including case study examples in your newsletter – you can gain traction. Here is an example of a healthcare case study newsletter – Portentadesigns , Rasa , and Dealroom .

Email Marketing

Using case studies in email marketing is one of the best tactics to convert prospects into potential clients, especially if you have an industry-segmented list. They are very effective when used in the lead nurturing workflows and re-engage the leads that have gone quite far in the funnel. For example, Smart Panda labs created a customised email marketing campaign using their case study that drove awareness for a new cancer treatment.

Collaborate with Industry Publications

Partner with healthcare industry publications or journals to feature your case studies in articles or advertorials. This provides you with a platform to reach a highly targeted audience of healthcare professionals who are actively seeking insights and solutions. For instance, American Journal of Clinical and Medical Case Reports, Medical Journal of Australia are some healthcare publications that cater specifically to publishing healthcare articles or case studies.

Webinars, Workshops, and Events

Host webinars or online workshops that dive deep into the details of your healthcare marketing case studies. These live events provide an interactive platform for you to present the challenges, solutions, and outcomes of your work. Invite industry experts or physicians to join as guest speakers to provide additional credibility and insights. Hospitals like, Massachusetts General Hospital and Royal Melbourne Hospital conduct regular webinars and events.

Social Media Promotions

Invest in targeted social media advertising campaigns to promote your healthcare marketing case studies. Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn offer advertising options that allow you to reach specific demographics, including healthcare professionals. You can also create visually appealing ad creatives that highlight the most compelling aspects of your case studies. Through interactive engagement content hospitals like UCSF Health and Sydney Children’s Hospital promote their expertise within the industry.

4. 10 Healthcare Marketing Case Study Examples

Now let’s dive into 10 inspiring healthcare marketing case study examples. These case studies highlight the power of effective healthcare marketing and the incredible results it can achieve.

1. Centura Health

Centura Health is a healthcare system in Colorado that connects individuals across Colorado with 6000+ physicians. With seamless information architecture and easy navigation, Centura health’s website stands out the best. It gives a convenient way to search by location, provider, and healthcare. Also, the easy navigation buttons and CTAs allow users to track and pay their bills in easy steps. The large and resizable font makes the website appealing and easy to read on devices of all sizes.

2. Organ Donor Foundation

Organ Donor Foundation , one of the leading healthcare organisations in South Africa, came up with a marvellous idea to catch the attention of its target audience. As a part of this marketing campaign, they started delivering life-saving messaging in underground parking garages, which urges them to become organ donors. People listen to a static message created by the Organ Donor Foundation whenever they enter an underground parking garage.

3. Banner Health

Banner Health is a nonprofit health system in the United States that operates 30 hospitals and dozens of health facilities in Arizona. The creative infographics used by Banner Health to promote awareness of health issues like – health myths, parenting, nutrition, and mental health have created a buzz in social media. These infographics are shareable on social media and resonate with audiences who may not be keen to read long-form content.

4. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit American healthcare centre focused on integrated health, research, and education. The clinic serves communities by publishing informative content on health, diseases, treatments, and prevention. The Mayo Clinic blog features success stories of staff and patients, another excellent example of healthcare marketing case studies. This healthcare organisation helped seal its reputation as a trusted source of health information.

5. NewYork Presbyterian Hospital

NewYork-Presbyterian is a leading healthcare delivery system catered to provide the highest quality medical facilities. In digital marketing for healthcare, storytelling is one of the essential tactics that help promote valuable content for your audience. New York Presbyterian Hospital used this strategy to share the story of their patients. As a part of their marketing strategy, they created videos that showcased the life experiences of patients, doctors, and their staff.

Content Marketing Campaigns in Healthcare

6. Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a paediatric hospital solely dedicated to treating more than 7,00,000 children in the state. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal accidents, especially between Memorial Day and Labour Day. Arkansas Children’s Hospital created the #100deadliestdays campaign, which includes a downloadable parent-teen driving agreement, infographics, and fact sheets. Their marketing campaign promoted awareness of risks to teens using the #100deadliestdays social media campaign.

7. Great Ormond Street Hospital

Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the top children’s hospitals in the world for treating heart and brain problems. The content repurposed for digital signage by Great Ormond Street Hospital is another example of healthcare marketing. From providing live news to travel information and setting up digital notice boards – they leveraged the power of content to offer personalised marketing experience to their target audience. Digital signage is a highly adaptable marketing strategy that helps healthcare organisations to allow patients to feel more connected with your hospital.

8. Carilion Clinic

The Carilion Clinic in Virgin’s Roanoke valley started a hashtag campaign #YesMamm to create awareness about breast cancer. As a part of the campaign, they created Q & As on Twitter, which drove significant traffic to their website. Thousands of women got inspired by this campaign and booked a screening appointment in some of their locations. This healthcare marketing case study is an excellent example of how one can use hashtags to drive success to any campaign.

9. See Me Scotland

See Me is Scotland’s national program developed to tackle mental stigma and discrimination. They launched a campaign named “The Power of Okay,” which aimed to tackle stigma and discrimination against mental health. They created a series of videos conveying the importance of talking to each other, shown in cinema halls and theatres. Also, they provided their audience with educational resources to help them understand and combat mental stigma.

10. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit healthcare centre that integrates clinical research and hospital care. Their essential health blog provides helpful content to its audience. Besides having a solid content strategy, they have a thought leadership marketing strategy that uses a podcast with the same title. The podcast episodes feature researchers and doctors from the organisation, establishing them as experts in their fields.

Incorporating case studies into your healthcare marketing strategy can drive remarkable results. As we have seen in the above case-studies, a well-developed and executed strategy can help you attract qualified leads, educate patients on services and preventive care, establish your healthcare institution as a reliable and credible source, and foster engagement for patient loyalty.

Now, let’s see how a digital marketing agency can help you enhance the success of healthcare initiatives and forge strong relationships with the patients.

5. How can a Digital Marketing Agency Help?

A digital marketing agency has the expertise, resources, and experience needed to create and execute effective marketing campaigns for healthcare businesses, all while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.

Growth Ganik is a full-stack digital marketing agency in Sydney, Australia. We have a team of experts who have the experience and resources to create and promote high-quality healthcare content. We skilfully manage complex technical aspects, such as gathering campaign insights and analytics.

We work with clients from leading brands and industries such as B2B SaaS, nonprofits, and more to develop profitable digital marketing solutions that are data-driven to support all kinds of business goals – from widening user bases and gaining more traction for online engagement to increasing conversion and helping businesses scale up. For creative tailor-made digital solutions and sustainable growth insights, get in touch with us!

What is healthcare marketing, and why is it important?

Healthcare marketing involves promoting healthcare services, facilities, or products. It’s crucial for raising awareness, attracting patients, and staying competitive in the healthcare industry.

What are some of the digital marketing strategies healthcare providers use?

Digital marketing for healthcare can include strategies like SEO, social media, content marketing, and online advertising.

How can healthcare organisations maintain patient privacy in their marketing efforts?

It is important to be aware and adhere to your country’s regulations regarding patient privacy. Some examples include, avoid sharing identifiable patient information without consent, use secure patient portals for online interactions, take consent for testimonials, use encrypted email services, etc.

What are the 5 Ps of healthcare marketing?

The 5 Ps of healthcare marketing are – patient, process, place, price, and product.

How do you prepare for a marketing case study?

To prepare a marketing case study, you must choose a success story closely related to your patients, identify the key points, highlight the results, explore different designs, and publish the content.

What are case studies used for in healthcare marketing?

Healthcare marketing case studies are used as social proof or testimonials to persuade that the process or strategy can help solve a problem.

What are the 5 essential elements of a great case study?

The critical elements of the case study are – problem/challenge/issue, solution, testimonials stats and CTAs.

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Welcome To Open Case Studies

Connecting you with real-world public health data.

The Open Case Studies project showcases the possibilities of what can be achieved when working with real-world data.

Housed in a freely accessible GitHub repository, the project’s self-contained and experiential guides demonstrate the data analysis process and the use of various data science methods, tools, and software in the context of messy, real-world data.

These case studies will empower current and future data scientists to leverage real-world data to solve leading public health challenges.

Who Are Open Case Studies For?

Your experiential guide to the power of data analysis.

The Open Case Studies project provides insights about gathering and working with data for students, instructors, and those with experience in data science or statistical methods at nonprofit organizations and public sector agencies.

Each case study in the project focuses on an important public health topic and introduces methods to provide users with the skills and knowledge for greater legibility, reproducibility, rigor, and flexibility in their own data analyses.

Case Study Bank Overview

Real data on ten public health challenges in the U.S.

The following in-depth case studies use real data and focus on five areas of public health that are particularly pressing in the United States.

Vaping Behaviors in American Youth

This case study explores the trends of tobacco product usage among American youths surveyed in the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) from 2015-2019. It demonstrates how to use survey data and code books and provides an introduction to writing functions to wrangle similar but slightly different data repetitively. The case study introduces packages for using survey weighting and survey design to perform an analysis to compare vaping product usage among different groups, and covers how to use a logistic regression to compare groups for a variable that is binary (such as true or false — in this case it was using vaping products or not). This case study also covers how to make visualizations of multiple groups over time with confidence interval error bars.

Opioids in the United States

This case study examines the number of opioid pills (specifically oxycodone and hydrocodone, as they are the top two misused opioids) shipped to pharmacies and practitioners at the county-level around the United States from 2006 to 2014 using data from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This case study demonstrates how to get data from a source called an application programming interface (API). It explores why and how to normalize data, as well as why and how to potentially stratify or redefine groups. It also shows how to compare two independent groups when the data is not normally distributed using a test called the Wilcoxon rank sum test (also called the Mann Whitney U test) and how to add confidence intervals to plots (using a method called bootstrapping).

Disparities in Youth Disconnection

This case study focuses on rates of youth (people between 16-24) disconnection (those who are neither working nor in school) among different racial, ethnic and gender subgroups to identify subgroups that may be particularly vulnerable. It demonstrates that deeper inspection of subgroups yields some differences that are not otherwise discernable, how to import data from a PDF using screenshots of sections of the PDF, and how to use the Mann-Kendall trend test to test for the presence of a consistent direction in the relationship of disconnection rates with time. This case study also shows how to make a visualization that stylistically matches that of an existing report, how to add images to plots, and how to create effective bar plots for multiple comparisons across several groups.

Mental Health of American Youth

This case study investigates how the rate of self-reported symptoms of major depressive episodes (MDE) has changed over time among American youth (age 12-17) from 2004-2018. It describes the impact of self-reporting bias in surveys, how to get data directly from a website, as well as how to compare changes in the frequency of a variable between two groups using a chi-squared test to determine if two variables are independent (in this case if the sex of the students influenced the frequency of reported MDE symptoms in 2004 and 2018). This case study also demonstrates how to create direct labels on visualizations with many groups across time, as well as how to create an animated gif.

Exploring CO2 Emissions Across Time

This case study investigates how CO2 emissions have changed since the 1700s and how the level of emissions has compared for different countries around the world. It explores how yearly average temperature and the number of natural disasters in the United States has changed over time and provides an introduction for examining if two sets of data are correlated with one another. This case study also goes into great detail about how to make what are called heatmaps and other plots to visualize multiple groups over time. This includes adding labels directly to lines on plots with multiple lines.

Predicting Annual Air Pollution

This case study uses machine learning methods to predict annual air pollution levels spatially within the United States based on data about population density, urbanization, road density, as well as satellite pollution data and chemical modeling data among other predictors. Machine learning methods are used to predict air pollution levels when traditional monitoring systems are not available in a particular area or when there is not enough spatial granularity with current monitoring systems. The case study also demonstrates how to visualize data using maps.

Exploring Global Patterns of Obesity Across Rural and Urban Regions

This case study compares average Body Mass Index measurements for males and females from rural and urban regions from over 200 countries around the world, with a particular emphasis on the United States. It provides a thorough introduction to wrangling data from a PDF, how to compare two paired groups using the t test and the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test using R programming, and how to make visualizations of group comparisons that emphasize a particular subset of the data.

Exploring Global Patterns of Dietary Behaviors Associated with Health Risk

This case study investigates the consumption of dietary factors associated with health risk among males and females from over 200 countries around the world, with a particular emphasis on the United States. It demonstrates how to wrangle data from a PDF; how to combine data from two different sources; how to compare two paired groups and multiple paired groups using t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression; and how to create visualizations of several groups and how to combine plots together with very different scales.

Influence of Multicollinearity on Measured Impact of Right-To-Carry Gun Laws

This case study focuses on two well-known studies that evaluated the influence of right-to-carry gun laws on violent crime rates. It demonstrates a phenomenon called multicollinearity, where explanatory variables that can predict one another can lead to aberrant and unstable findings; how to make visualizations with labels, such as arrows or equations; and how to combine multiple plots together.

School Shootings in the United States

This case study illustrates ways to communicate trends in a dataset about the number and characteristics of school shooting events for students in grades K-12 in the United States since 1970. It demonstrates how to create a dashboard, which is a website that shows patterns in a dataset in a concise manner; how to import data from a Google Sheets document; how to create interactive tables and maps; and how to properly calculate percentages for data when there are missing values.

Which Case Study Is Right For Me?

Connecting with the public health data you need.

The Open Case Studies project approaches data in many different ways. The guide below will help connect you with a case study:

Data science projects often start with a question. Here, you may look for case studies that explore a question that is similar to one you are interested in investigating with your data.

How does something change over time?

Investigating how a variable has changed over time can help identify consistent trends.

How do survey responses compare for different groups over time?

Survey data requires special care and attention to the survey design.

How do groups compare?

Public health researchers are often interested to know if one group is more vulnerable than another or if two or more groups are actually different from one another.

How do groups compare over time?

Comparing several groups over time can provide insight into if the change over time is different for different groups.

How do paired groups compare?

Paired groups are those that are not independent in some way. Perhaps you want to know how data from the same person over time compares with that of another person over time, or perhaps you are interested in how something changed in a city before and after an intervention, or perhaps you want to compare groups using data that has structure where there is coupling or matching of data values across samples.

Are certain groups or possibly subgroups more vulnerable?

Understand how to compare subpopulations at a deeper level.

How does something compare across regions?

Often it is useful to investigate if data differs by region, as many environmental, cultural, and political differences can influence public health outcomes.

How can I predict outcomes for new data?

Learn how the data might look next year or for locations that you don’t have data about.

Does this influence my data?

Analyze how a variable influences another variable.

Are these two variables related to one another?

Understand how two variables are related and how strongly they are related to one another.

How can I display this data for others to find and interpret and use easily?

Make it easy for others to find your data, see the major trends in your data, or search for specific values in your data.

Data can come from many different sources, from the more obvious like an excel file to the less obvious like an image or a website. These case studies demonstrate how to use data from a variety of possible sources.

Using data from a PDF or just parts of a PDF can be challenging. You could type the data into a new excel file, but this can result in mistakes and it is difficult to reproduce.

Data are often in CSV files and it is typically easy to import data and work with data in this form. However, sometimes it can be difficult if, for example, the first few lines are structured differently or if you have unusual missing value indicators.

If you find data on a website that doesn’t allow you to download in a convenient way, you can actually directly import the data into R programming language.

This is one of the most common data forms, and it is typically easy to import data and work with data in this form. However, sometimes it can be challenging, especially if you have many files.

You can extract text from image files. This can be useful if, for example, you want to only use certain parts of a PDF.

It is possible to find the data that you need to use from an application programming interface (API).

Google Sheet

You can download data from a Google Sheet, copy and paste it into Excel, or directly import the data into R programming language.

Survey data/Code books

Working with survey data requires special care and attention, and you can do this directly with R programming language.

Multiple files

If you find that you need to import data from multiple files, there is a more efficient way to do so without importing each one by one.

Data wrangling is the process of organizing your data in a more useful format. These case studies explore how to clean, rearrange, reshape, modify, filter, combine, or join your data.

Extracting data from a PDF

Extracting and organizing data from a PDF will make it easier to use.

Geocoding data

The process of assigning relevant latitude and longitude coordinates to data values is called geocoding. This can be helpful (although not always necessary) to create a map of your data.

Recoding data

If you have data values that are confusing and could be changed to something better, or if you want to convert your data to true or false, you might want to consider recoding these values.

Methods of joining data

Sometimes, you obtain data from multiple sources that need to be combined together.

Filtering data

Perhaps you need to filter your data for only specific values for given variables. In other words, you might want to filter census employment data to only values for females who are also Black and live in Connecticut.

Modifying data (normalizing, transforming, scaling etc.)

Sometimes it is difficult to know when or how to normalize data.

Working with text

You can work with, remove, replace, or change words, phrases, letters, numbers, or punctuation marks in your data.

Reshaping data

Sometimes it is useful to shape your data so that you have many columns (for example, when performing certain analyses), however it can be useful at other times (for example, when creating plots) to collapse multiple columns into fewer columns with more rows.

Repetitive process

Sometimes you need to wrangle multiple datasets from different sources in a similar manner.

A picture is worth a thousand words, particularly when it comes to interpreting data. These case studies demonstrate how to make effective visualizations in various contexts. The first ten represent basic visualizations while 11-22 are more advanced.

A table that is easy to interpret

Adding colors or simple graphics can make tables easier to interpret.

Scatter plot

Scatter plots can be a strong option for evaluating the relationship between variables, and especially for evaluating changes in a variable over time.

Line plots are often useful for evaluating changes over time.

Bar plots are a good choice if you want to compare data to a threshold.

Box plots are particularly useful for comparing groups with many data values. They provide information about the spread of the data.

Pie chart/waffle plot

Pie charts or waffle plots can be a strong option when comparing relative percentages.

It can be difficult to visualize multiple groups at simultaneously. In these situations, heat maps can be a great option.

Correlation plots

If you have many variables and need to know if they are correlated to one another, there are methods to efficiently check this.

Visualize missing data

It can be helpful to quickly identify how much of your data is missing (has NA values).

Create a map of your data

Often the best way to interpret regional differences in data is to make a map.

Advanced Visualizations

Matching a style

If you are working with collaborators, you can make your visualizations match the style of their figures.

Faceted plots allow you to quickly create multiple plots at once

It can be difficult to visualize multiple groups at the same time, so faceted plots are a great option in this situation.

Adding labels directly to plots with many different groups

If you compare many groups over time, for example, it can be difficult to see which line corresponds to which group. Adding labels directly to these lines can be very helpful and negates the need for an overcomplicated legend.

Emphasize a particular group

Sometimes you will have several different groups and you want to highlight a specific group.

Adding annotations to plots

Adding labels, such as thresholds, arrows, or equations, can make it easier for people to interpret your plot.

Add error bars to your plot

Adding error bars can help convey information about the confidence of the estimates in your plots.

Combine multiple plots together

Sometimes it is useful to put a variety of plots together and add text to explain what the plot shows.

Create an interactive plot when you have too many groups to label

If you compare a very large number of groups, it can be difficult to tell what is happening. Often it can help to make the plot interactive so that the user can hover over points or lines to see what they indicate.

Create an interactive map of your data

Sometimes it is easiest to see regional differences by interacting with and exploring an interactive map.

Create an interactive table of your data

Sometimes you might want to be able to search through your data or allow others to easily do so.

Add images to your figures

Including images to a plot, such as a logo, can be a helpful addition.

Create an interactive dashboard/website for your data

Dashboards can quickly convey major trends in a dataset, and they can also allow users to interact with the data to choose what aspects about the data they wish to explore.

To better understand data, it is helpful to use statistical tests. These case studies demonstrate a variety of statistical tests and concepts.

Are two groups different?

Correlation

Are two variables related to one another?

Are multiple groups different?

Linear regression

Would you like to compare groups?

Chi-squared test of independence

Do the frequencies of two groups suggest that they are independent?

Mann-Kendall Trend test

Is there a consistent change over time?

Machine learning

Would you like to predict data?

Calculate percentages with missing data?

Would you like to calculate percentages, but you are missing some data?

About The Project

Learn about the team behind the Open Case Studies project.

As part of the larger Open Case Studies project (OCS) at opencasestudies.org , these case studies were developed for and funded by the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. The OCS project is made up of a team of researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH).

Let us know how the Open Case Studies project has enhanced your educational curriculum or ability to tackle tough data-rich research projects.

JHSPH Faculty Contributors

Jessica Fanzo, PhD

Brendan Saloner, PhD

Megan Latshaw, PhD, MHS

Renee M. Johnson, PhD, MPH

Daniel Webster, ScD, MPH

Elizabeth Stuart, PhD

Bloomberg American Health Initiative

Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD – Director, Bloomberg American Health Initiative

Michelle Spencer, MS – Associate Director, Bloomberg American Health Initiative

Paulani Mui, MPH – Special Projects Officer, Bloomberg American Health Initiative

Other Contributors

Aboozar Hadavand, PhD, MA, MS, Minerva University

Roger Peng, PhD, MS, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Kirsten Koehler, PhD, MS, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Alex McCourt, PhD, JD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Ashkan Afshin, MD, ScD, MPH, MSc, University of Washington and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)

Erin Mullany, BA, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)

External Review Panel

Leslie Myint, PhD, Macalester College

Shannon E. Ellis, PhD, University of California – San Diego

Christina Knudson, PhD, University of St. Thomas

Michael Love, PhD, University of North Carolina

Nicholas Horton, ScD, Amherst College

Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel, PhD, University of Edinburgh, Duke University, RStudio

Let Us Know How You're Using Open Case Studies

As the Open Case Studies project expands, we learn from you. Tell us what data you'd like to see, how you're using the data, or anything we can do to improve the project.

“Case Studies in Healthcare: Success Stories and Lessons Learned”

The healthcare industry is an ever-evolving field with innovations and improvements happening daily. As healthcare providers strive to deliver the best care possible, case studies have become a valuable resource for learning and growth. In this article, we will explore various case studies in healthcare, highlighting both success stories and the lessons learned along the way. By analyzing what works and why, we can gain insight into the practices that lead to triumphs in healthcare and potentially replicate these successes in our own organizations.

Case Studies in Healthcare: A Closer Look at Triumphs and Takeaways

Healthcare case studies provide a unique opportunity to dissect real-world scenarios, understand the decisions made, and measure the outcomes of those choices. One notable success story is the implementation of telemedicine in rural areas. By leveraging technology, healthcare providers have successfully expanded access to care for patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. Lessons learned include the importance of investing in reliable technology and training staff to effectively use telemedicine platforms.

Another critical case study involves the management of electronic health records (EHRs). When a large hospital system transitioned to a new EHR system, they faced significant resistance from physicians who were accustomed to the old way of doing things. However, by involving physicians in the planning and implementation process, the hospital successfully integrated the new system, leading to improved efficiency and patient care. This case study highlights the value of stakeholder engagement and effective change management.

In the fight against infectious diseases, case studies have shown the significance of swift and coordinated responses. An example of this is the containment of Ebola in West Africa. Through international collaboration and the rapid deployment of healthcare resources, the spread of the virus was effectively limited. This case study underscores the importance of preparedness, communication, and teamwork in tackling healthcare crises.

Success Stories in Healthcare: Analyzing What Works and Why

Understanding why certain strategies succeed is crucial for replicating positive results in the healthcare industry. For instance, one hospital’s initiative to reduce patient readmissions focused on comprehensive discharge planning and follow-up care. By ensuring patients had clear instructions and support after leaving the hospital, readmission rates dropped significantly. This case study emphasizes the role of thorough patient education and post-discharge care in improving outcomes.

In the realm of preventive care, a primary care clinic introduced a program to increase vaccination rates among its patient population. By actively reaching out to patients due for immunizations and offering flexible scheduling options, the clinic saw a dramatic increase in vaccination rates. The takeaway from this case study is the impact of proactive patient engagement and removing barriers to care.

Lastly, a healthcare organization’s embrace of continuous quality improvement (CQI) led to enhanced patient safety and satisfaction. By fostering a culture of open communication and ongoing learning, the organization identified areas for improvement and systematically implemented changes. This case study demonstrates the power of a commitment to CQI as a driver for excellence in healthcare.

The healthcare industry is rich with case studies that provide valuable insights and lessons learned. By analyzing and understanding these success stories, healthcare providers can apply similar strategies to achieve positive outcomes in their own organizations. Whether it’s through technology, stakeholder engagement, or quality improvement initiatives, these case studies offer a blueprint for triumph and provide a roadmap for future success in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

Why are case studies valuable in the healthcare industry, and how do they provide insights into successful decision-making and problem-solving within healthcare organizations?

Case studies are valuable as they offer real-world examples of challenges and solutions in healthcare. They provide insights into successful decision-making, problem-solving, and strategies that can be applied by healthcare professionals and organizations facing similar scenarios.

How does the article select and present case studies, and what criteria are considered to ensure the relevance and applicability of the showcased success stories to a diverse audience?

The article discusses the criteria for selecting case studies, such as their impact on healthcare outcomes, innovation, or overcoming significant challenges. It highlights the diversity of cases to ensure relevance to a broad audience, considering different healthcare settings, specialties, and contexts.

Can you provide examples of healthcare case studies featured in the article, and how do these stories illustrate successful decision-making or lessons learned that can benefit readers in the healthcare field?

Certainly! Examples may include cases where innovative technologies improved patient outcomes, or instances where strategic decisions enhanced operational efficiency. The article presents these stories to illustrate valuable lessons learned and best practices that readers can apply in their own healthcare settings.

In what ways do case studies contribute to professional development and learning opportunities for healthcare professionals, and how can organizations leverage these stories for continuous improvement and staff training?

The article explores how case studies offer learning opportunities, allowing healthcare professionals to gain insights from others’ experiences. Organizations can leverage these stories for staff training, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging employees to apply lessons learned to their daily practices.

For healthcare leaders seeking to implement successful strategies within their organizations, what recommendations and actionable insights does the article provide based on the analysis of the showcased case studies?

The article offers recommendations based on the case studies, such as the importance of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and embracing innovation. It provides actionable insights that healthcare leaders can use to inform their decision-making processes and drive positive outcomes within their organizations.

+1 (800) 782 1768

Hacking the Case Interview

If you’re interviewing for a healthcare consulting firm, expect to be given several case interviews to solve. All consulting firms use case interviews to assess candidates.

These include generalist firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. They also include healthcare consulting firms such as Health Advances , ClearView Healthcare Partners , Putnam Associates , Huron Consulting Group , IQVIA , ZS , and Simon-Kucher .

Case interviews simulate what the consulting job is like by placing you in a hypothetical business situation. It is a 30 to 45-minute exercise in which you will work with the interviewer to develop a recommendation or answer to a business problem.

Case interviews are so widely used because they assess many of the qualities that candidates need to have to become successful consultants. A case interview assesses structured thinking, analytical capabilities, business acumen, communication skills, and cultural fit with the firm.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ace your healthcare consulting case interviews. We’ll cover:

Essential healthcare industry knowledge you should know
The 7 steps to solve any healthcare consulting case
8 healthcare consulting practice cases
Recommended healthcare case interview resources

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

Essential Healthcare Industry Knowledge You Should Know

The healthcare industry is a massive and complex industry. It can be broken down into the following four major sectors:

Drugs : These are companies that create new drugs, devices, and treatment methods. Major companies include Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Pfizer, Novartis, and Merck.
Medical Equipment : These are companies that manufacture medical products from scalpels, forceps, and gloves to high-tech equipment such as MRI machines and surgical robots. Major companies include Stryker and Medtronic.
Managed Healthcare : These companies provide health insurance policies. Major companies include UnitedHealth, Anthem, Aetna, Humana, and Cigna.
Healthcare Facilities : These companies operate hospitals, labs, clinics, psychiatric facilities, and nursing homes. Major companies include Lab Corp and HCA Healthcare

There are various types of stakeholders that participate in the healthcare industry. You should be familiar with each of these stakeholders and how they interact with each other:

Patients : those that seek medical attention or care
Providers : physicians that see and treat patients
Payers : insurance companies that sell health coverage plans directly to patients or indirectly through employers or the government
Pharmaceutical firms : companies that develop and market drugs and medications
Government : systems that set healthcare policies and regulations

There has been a massive amount of innovation happening in the healthcare industry. You should be familiar with the biggest trends, such as:

Growth of telehealth : The use of telecommunication technologies, such as video conferencing, to support remote or long-distance healthcare
Growth in biosimilars development : Biosimilars are biological products that are developed to be similar to an already approved drug. They help consumers reduce their healthcare costs without compromising treatment standards
Shift from inpatient to outpatient settings : Health systems are continuing to transition inpatient procedures in hospitals to outpatient settings such as retail clinics, community health centers, and even people’s homes
Shift to value-based pricing : A shift to pricing healthcare services on the performance or results that it delivers to patients rather than charging a flat fee for services
Digital transformation : The use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and Internet of Things to deliver health care services in a better way

The 7 Steps to Solve Any Healthcare Consulting Case

Follow these seven steps to solve any healthcare consulting case interview.

1. Understand the case background information

The case interview will start with the interviewer explaining the case background information. Make sure that you are taking notes while the interviewer is speaking. You’ll want to focus specifically on understanding the context, the company, and the objective of the case.

The most important part of the case interview is to make sure you understand the business issue and objective of the case. Addressing the wrong business problem is the quickest way to fail a case interview.

2. Ask clarifying questions

Once the interviewer has finished giving you the case information, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.

While you can ask any question that you want, try to prioritize asking questions that help you better understand the situation and problem. You want to avoid asking questions that are too specific or not relevant to understanding the case situation.

Most candidates ask between one to three questions. You’ll be able to ask more questions later in the case interview if you need to.

3. Summarize the information and verify the objective

Once you have finished asking your immediate questions, summarize all of the major case information and verify that you understand the objective correctly.

In this step, many candidates make the mistake of stating every fact of the case verbatim. Instead, you should summarize the case concisely and clearly in your own words. This demonstrates that you can synthesize information effectively.

4. Develop a framework

The next step is to structure a framework to help guide you through the case.

A case interview framework is a tool that helps you structure and break down a complex problem into simpler, smaller components. Think of a framework as brainstorming different ideas and organizing them into different categories.

To develop a framework, ask yourself what are the three to four major questions that you need to answer in order to make a confident recommendation?

Many candidates make the mistake of using memorized frameworks and applying them to their case interviews. Interviewers can tell when you are using a memorized framework because not all of the elements of the framework will be relevant to the case.

Using a memorized framework reflects poorly on your capabilities because it shows that you cannot think critically for yourself. Therefore, practice creating unique and tailored frameworks for each case that you get.

For a complete guide on how to create tailored and unique frameworks for each case, check out our article on case interview frameworks .

When creating your framework, it is acceptable to ask the interviewer for a few minutes of silence to collect your thoughts. Afterwards, present your framework to the interviewer.

5. Kick off the case

Once you have finished presenting your framework, the interviewer may agree with your approach or may provide some feedback or suggestions. Afterwards, it is time to start solving the case.

How the case investigation will start depends on whether your case is a candidate-led or interviewer-led case . Most cases are candidate-led.

Candidate-led case : In this type of case, you will be expected to drive the direction of the case. You will be suggesting what areas to explore, what analyses to do, and what the next step should be. So, pick an area of your framework to start analyzing. There is no right or wrong area to pick as long as it is relevant to solving the case.

Interviewer-led case : In this type of case, the interviewer will be leading the direction of the case. They will be asking you specific questions that you will answer. After each question, they’ll direct you to the next question. For interviewer-led cases, the interviewer will typically kick off the case by asking you a question after you finish presenting your framework.

6. Answer quantitative and qualitative questions

The majority of the interview will be spent answering a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions.

Quantitative questions may have you estimate the size of a particular market, perform some calculations to determine profitability, or interpret various charts and graphs.

When solving quantitative problems, make sure that you walk the interviewer through your approach before you begin doing any math. When performing calculations, make sure to talk through your steps out loud so that it is easy for the interviewer to follow your work.

Qualitative questions may ask you to brainstorm potential ideas or ask for your judgment on an open-ended business question. When answering these questions, try to structure your answer as much as possible.

After answering each question, make sure that you take your answer and connect it back to the overall case objective. How does your answer help you solve the case? How does your answer impact your potential recommendation?

7. Deliver a recommendation

At the end of the case, the interviewer will ask you to prepare an overall recommendation. It is acceptable to ask the interviewer for a minute to look through your notes before you give your recommendation.

Based on the quantitative and qualitative questions you have answered, what recommendation do they collectively support?

Structure your recommendation in the following way:

State your recommendation
Provide the two to three reasons that support your recommendation
Propose next steps that you would take if you had more time

After you deliver your recommendation, the interviewer will conclude the case interview. If the case interview was based on a real life project, the interviewer may explain what actually happened in the case.

Don’t worry if your recommendation does not match what actually happened during the project. For case interviews, you are not assessed on your answer, but on your process.

Healthcare Consulting Practice Cases

Below are eight healthcare consulting cases that you can use to practice your case interview skills.

McKinsey pharmaceutical practice case : This is an acquisition case focused on whether a large pharmaceutical company should acquire a smaller startup
BCG drug pricing case (see video below): This is a pricing case focused on helping a pharmaceutical company determine the optimal price for a new drug
ClearView pharmaceutical case : This is a market sizing case focused on helping a pharmaceutical company determine whether it can achieve its revenue target for an inhaled insulin product for the diabetes market
ClearView biotechnology case : This is a quantitative case focused on helping a biotechnology firm assess its novel therapies for acute myeloid leukemia
LEK medical consumables case : This is a market sizing case that estimates the market size for medical consumables by general practitioners in the United Kingdom
Health Advances biotechnology case : This is a market entry case focused on helping a biotechnology company understand the market opportunity for developing a novel drug that prevents ear infections

Below, we have step-by-step videos showcasing how we would solve the McKinsey pharmaceutical case and the BCG drug pricing case. The McKinsey case is an interviewer-led case while the BCG case is a candidate-led case. We recommend watching these two videos to give yourself an idea of what both of these types of case interviews look like.

When practicing the rest of these practice cases, make sure you follow the seven steps that we outlined for solving healthcare consulting case interviews.

Recommended Healthcare Consulting Interview Resources

Here are the resources we recommend to land your dream consulting job:

For help landing consulting interviews

Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews

For help passing case interviews

Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with a former Bain interviewer.
Hacking the Case Interview Book (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.

For help passing consulting behavioral & fit interviews

Behavioral & Fit Interview Course : Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer.

Land Multiple Consulting Offers

Complete, step-by-step case interview course. 30,000+ happy customers.

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Case Examples

Based on a composite of a number of real sentinel event reports to The Joint Commission, Case Examples can be used for educational purposes to identify lapses in patient safety and missed opportunities for developing a safety culture. This learning resource highlights safety actions and strategies to have a better result. Stay current with what is happening at The Joint Commission by subscribing to our free publications.

Joint Commission Online
Quick Safety

Mental health adjustments – Reasonable adjustments at work

What reasonable adjustments are
Mental health adjustments
Making a request
Having a meeting
Failing to make adjustments
Reviewing and keeping a record
Having a policy

Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how someone thinks, feels and behaves.

Mental health problems can:

happen suddenly, because of a specific event in someone's life
build up gradually over time
be hard to spot because everyone has different signs and signals
be hidden because many people find it difficult to talk about their mental health
fluctuate over time which means that an employee's ability to cope with the demands of the job might change

If an employee has a mental health problem, their employer should take it seriously, with the same care as for physical illness.

A mental health problem can be a disability under the Equality Act 2010. If an employee has a disability, their employer must make reasonable adjustments.

When making reasonable adjustments for mental health, employers should take into account that:

every job is different, so what works in one situation might not work in another
every employee is different, so what works for one employee might not work for another
mental health changes over time, so what works for an employee now might not work in the future

Examples of reasonable adjustments for mental health

Reasonable adjustments are specific to an individual person. They can cover any area of work.

Working hours and patterns

For example:

more frequent, shorter breaks
paid time off for medical appointments
flexible hours
part-time or job share arrangements

Changing someone's role and responsibilities

reviewing tasks or deadlines to help someone have a reasonable workload while managing their mental health
breaking down work into short term tasks to reduce the complexity of someone's work and to provide structure to the working day
reviewing someone's responsibilities to reduce those that are more stressful – for example reducing phone calls or customer facing work
moving someone into a different role or department if their current job has a negative impact on their mental health

Reviewing working relationships and communication styles

making sure someone is working with trusted people to limit the impact of different working and communication styles
agreeing a preferred communication method to help reduce anxiety – for example by avoiding spontaneous phone calls

Changing the physical working environment

allowing someone to work from home to manage distractions or engage in activities that allow them to manage their mental health – for example, so they can take regular breaks without feeling other people are watching them
relocating someone's workspace to a quieter area to reduce sensory demands
providing rest areas away from the main staff area to allow someone to rest away from social demands
providing reserved parking to reduce the stress of commuting

Being flexible with policies

offering paid time off for someone to attend appointments in work time
being flexible with trigger points for absence so that someone is not disadvantaged by taking absence when they are unwell
offering an extended phased return to support someone to build up hours gradually and continue their recovery

Additional support

modifying supervision to provide regular check-ins, prioritising work and creating structure in the working day
providing training or coaching to build confidence in skills relevant to the job
providing a buddy or mentor to be a dedicated person who can support with work tasks

Case studies

Read case studies about making reasonable adjustments for mental health

Talking about reasonable adjustments for mental health

Conversations about reasonable adjustments for mental health might come about because:

a manager notices that someone in their team is struggling with their mental health
an employee asks to have a conversation about work adjustments for mental health
an employee speaks to HR or occupational health and they recommend reasonable adjustments for mental health

What an employer should do

As an employer, you should help an employee who requests reasonable adjustments to:

look after their mental health at work
understand what to expect from a meeting about reasonable adjustments

For example, you could:

ask them how they are
make it clear they should look after themselves and focus on managing their mental health
check if they have accessed support available through work – for example mental health support
let them know about any policies that are relevant to reasonable adjustments for mental health
let them know that the organisation will try to support them in accessing reasonable adjustments
explain the reasonable adjustments process and procedures
agree on a reasonable adjustment meeting date

What an employee should do

Someone experiencing mental health problems might not be sure what they need to manage their mental health. They might not know what adjustments to suggest.

As an employee, there are several things you can think about when deciding what reasonable adjustments will help. This can help you prepare for a conversation with your employer about reasonable adjustments.

Think about how your mental health affects your work

Are there times in the day or week that are better or harder, or do you feel the same all the time?
Are there tasks at home or at work that feel possible and easy to do now?
Are there tasks at home or at work that feel unmanageable now?

Think about how work affects your mental health

Are there some tasks or situations that make you feel good?
Are there some tasks or situations that make you feel anxious, worried or numb?

Talk to a friend or family member

You can talk to a friend or family member to ask them what they see and think. People can find it hard to recognise patterns in their behaviour, especially when they are experiencing mental health problems.

For example, you could ask:

When am I confident, settled and happy? What am I doing? Who am I with?
When am I unsettled, anxious or withdrawn? What am I doing? Who am I with?

If an employee's mental health problem is not a disability

An employee's mental health problem might not be a disability.

You should still offer support and explore whether adjustments can help. Simple changes to working arrangements or responsibilities could be enough.

Making adjustments for mental health can:

help employees to stay in work while recovering from or managing a mental health condition
make sure employees are well, safe and productive
create a healthy work culture by building awareness and showing a commitment to good practice
make it more likely that employees will stay at your organisation, reducing recruitment and training costs

If you like, you can tell us more about what was useful on this page. We cannot reply – so do not include any personal details, for example your email address or phone number. If you have any questions about your individual circumstances, you can contact the Acas helpline .

Title Page Setup

A title page is required for all APA Style papers. There are both student and professional versions of the title page. Students should use the student version of the title page unless their instructor or institution has requested they use the professional version. APA provides a student title page guide (PDF, 199KB) to assist students in creating their title pages.

Student title page

The student title page includes the paper title, author names (the byline), author affiliation, course number and name for which the paper is being submitted, instructor name, assignment due date, and page number, as shown in this example.

Title page setup is covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 2.3 and the Concise Guide Section 1.6

Related handouts

Student Title Page Guide (PDF, 263KB)
Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3MB)

Student papers do not include a running head unless requested by the instructor or institution.

Follow the guidelines described next to format each element of the student title page.


Paper title	Place the title three to four lines down from the top of the title page. Center it and type it in bold font. Capitalize of the title. Place the main title and any subtitle on separate double-spaced lines if desired. There is no maximum length for titles; however, keep titles focused and include key terms.
Author names	Place one double-spaced blank line between the paper title and the author names. Center author names on their own line. If there are two authors, use the word “and” between authors; if there are three or more authors, place a comma between author names and use the word “and” before the final author name.	Cecily J. Sinclair and Adam Gonzaga
Author affiliation	For a student paper, the affiliation is the institution where the student attends school. Include both the name of any department and the name of the college, university, or other institution, separated by a comma. Center the affiliation on the next double-spaced line after the author name(s).	Department of Psychology, University of Georgia
Course number and name	Provide the course number as shown on instructional materials, followed by a colon and the course name. Center the course number and name on the next double-spaced line after the author affiliation.	PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology
Instructor name	Provide the name of the instructor for the course using the format shown on instructional materials. Center the instructor name on the next double-spaced line after the course number and name.	Dr. Rowan J. Estes
Assignment due date	Provide the due date for the assignment. Center the due date on the next double-spaced line after the instructor name. Use the date format commonly used in your country.	October 18, 2020 18 October 2020
	Use the page number 1 on the title page. Use the automatic page-numbering function of your word processing program to insert page numbers in the top right corner of the page header.	1

Professional title page

The professional title page includes the paper title, author names (the byline), author affiliation(s), author note, running head, and page number, as shown in the following example.

Follow the guidelines described next to format each element of the professional title page.


Paper title	Place the title three to four lines down from the top of the title page. Center it and type it in bold font. Capitalize of the title. Place the main title and any subtitle on separate double-spaced lines if desired. There is no maximum length for titles; however, keep titles focused and include key terms.
Author names	Place one double-spaced blank line between the paper title and the author names. Center author names on their own line. If there are two authors, use the word “and” between authors; if there are three or more authors, place a comma between author names and use the word “and” before the final author name.	Francesca Humboldt
Author names	When different authors have different affiliations, use superscript numerals after author names to connect the names to the appropriate affiliation(s). If all authors have the same affiliation, superscript numerals are not used (see Section 2.3 of the for more on how to set up bylines and affiliations).	Tracy Reuter , Arielle Borovsky , and Casey Lew-Williams
Author affiliation	For a professional paper, the affiliation is the institution at which the research was conducted. Include both the name of any department and the name of the college, university, or other institution, separated by a comma. Center the affiliation on the next double-spaced line after the author names; when there are multiple affiliations, center each affiliation on its own line.	Department of Nursing, Morrigan University
Author affiliation	When different authors have different affiliations, use superscript numerals before affiliations to connect the affiliations to the appropriate author(s). Do not use superscript numerals if all authors share the same affiliations (see Section 2.3 of the for more).	Department of Psychology, Princeton University Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University
Author note	Place the author note in the bottom half of the title page. Center and bold the label “Author Note.” Align the paragraphs of the author note to the left. For further information on the contents of the author note, see Section 2.7 of the .	n/a
	The running head appears in all-capital letters in the page header of all pages, including the title page. Align the running head to the left margin. Do not use the label “Running head:” before the running head.	Prediction errors support children’s word learning
	Use the page number 1 on the title page. Use the automatic page-numbering function of your word processing program to insert page numbers in the top right corner of the page header.	1

COMMENTS

Case studies: Healthcare: Industries: PwC
Health System Innovation in Lesotho: Design and early operations of the Maseru Public Private Integrated Partnership. This PwC case study details the design and launch of an innovative partnership to dramatically improve delivery of healthcare in Lesotho in southern Africa. 07 Jun 2012.
Case Library
The Harvard Chan Case Library is a collection of teaching cases with a public health focus, written by Harvard Chan faculty, case writers, and students, or in collaboration with other institutions and initiatives. Use the filters at right to search the case library by subject, geography, health condition, and representation of diversity and identity to find cases to fit your teaching needs.
PDF How to write a case study
This case study describes a public health program. CDC Epidemiologic Case Studies This page contains links to five classroom- style case studies on foodborne diseases. ATSDR E nvironmental Health and Medicine. This page contains links to approximately 20 classroom-style case studies focused on exposures to environmental hazards. Before you get ...
Health Case Studies
Health Case Studies is composed of eight separate health case studies. Each case study includes the patient narrative or story that models the best practice (at the time of publishing) in healthcare settings. ... Some of the case studies, for example the heart failure study, show clinical data before and after drug treatments so the students ...
Case studies: Digitally enabled care in action
Concert Health, a virtual behavioral health medical group, is revolutionizing health care by integrating virtual services with primary care to enhance access to evidence-based behavioral health treatment. This case study (PDF) delves into Concert Health's utilization of the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), showcasing its impact in improving ...
PDF Clinical Case Studies for Students and Health Professionals
Clinical Case Studies 12/6/2018 1 . Clinical Case Studies for Students and Health Professionals The following examples are included to help students and clinicians explore in more detail the health impacts of climate change and provide real-world examples and case studies. Adopted and modified from : Luber, G. and J. Lemery (2015).
Case Studies
Jul 24, 2024. Monument Health is the largest health care provider in western South Dakota. It is an integral part of the local community, providing a wide array of vital services including behavioral health, oncology and dialysis care. 340B Drug Pricing Program.
Continuing to enhance the quality of case study methodology in health
Introduction. The popularity of case study research methodology in Health Services Research (HSR) has grown over the past 40 years. 1 This may be attributed to a shift towards the use of implementation research and a newfound appreciation of contextual factors affecting the uptake of evidence-based interventions within diverse settings. 2 Incorporating context-specific information on the ...
Case Studies
Coordination of Benefits Services Help Health Plan. Discover how a regional carrier generated 250%+ ROI and increased yearly collections by $500,000 with comprehensive coordination of ... Explore our case studies to gain insight into the latest healthcare technology trends, guidance, and perspectives from prominent industry experts.
Case studies and template
Case studies to help you to reflect on your practice. These case studies will help you to reflect on your practice, and provide a summary of reflective models that can help aid your reflections and make them more effective. Templates are also provided to guide your own activities. Remember, there is no set way to reflect and you can adapt these ...
What is a case study?
Case study is a research methodology, typically seen in social and life sciences. There is no one definition of case study research.1 However, very simply… 'a case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units'.1 A case study has also been described as an intensive, systematic investigation of a ...
The case study approach
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 ...
Nursing Case Study Examples and Solutions
HE003: Delivery of Services - Emmanuel is 55-year-old man Case - With Solution The Extent of Evidence-Based Data for Proposed Interventions - Sample Assignment 1 Solution. Planning Model for Population Health Management Veterans Diagnosed with Non cancerous chronic pain - Part 1 & 2 Solutions.
Case Library
A case library of 600+ case study examples to get you ready for your case interview! McKinsey, BCG, Bain & 20+ other firm styles represented! Skip to primary navigation; ... Health Care Costs : PwC: Profitability - Cost: N: 1: Public Sector: Finance: Health Guard : BCG: M&A - Corporate Buyer: Y: 2: Healthcare: Strategy: N: N:
Case Study Application of an Ethical Decision-Making Process for a
As health-care professionals, we are guided by moral principles in our decision-making process, namely, autonomy, non-malfeasance, beneficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity. A focused examination and application of the principles to the case study will help to support potential resolutions for the identified issues.
10 Inspiring Healthcare Marketing Case Studies Examples
Enabled, Siemens-Healthcare, and Avanade are examples of healthcare websites with an exclusive case study page. Videos from Case Studies. Videos are persuasive and engaging formats to engage your users compared to text case studies. If you have the budget, you can create videos of your case studies to communicate your value proposition.
Open Case Studies
Case Study 1: School Shootings in the United States. Learn about the team behind the Open Case Studies project. As part of the larger Open Case Studies project (OCS) at , these case studies were developed for and funded by the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. The OCS project is made up of a team of researchers at the Johns Hopkins ...
Case 1. Lakeview Healthcare
The case study methods, including the criteria for selection of the projects for analysis, are described in the Introduction to the Case Studies. To develop this case study, we conducted 67 interviews with a total of 65 individuals. Their roles at the hospital varied, as described in Exhibit 1.1. Description of the Health Care System . An ...
Case Example #2: The Health Center
Case Example #2: The Health Center. This report is based on research conducted by Abt Associates in partnership with the MacColl Center for Health Care Innovation and Bailit Health Purchasing, Cambridge, MA, under contract to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD (Contract Nos. 290-2010-00004-I/ 290-32009-T).
"Case Studies in Healthcare: Success Stories and Lessons Learned"
By leveraging technology, healthcare providers have successfully expanded access to care for patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. Lessons learned include the importance of investing in reliable technology and training staff to effectively use telemedicine platforms. Another critical case study involves the ...
Healthcare Consulting Case Interview: Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these seven steps to solve any healthcare consulting case interview. 1. Understand the case background information. The case interview will start with the interviewer explaining the case background information. Make sure that you are taking notes while the interviewer is speaking.
Case Examples
Home >. Resources >. News & Multimedia >. Newsletters >. Case Examples. Happy little boy smiles at a volunteer doctor at a community health free clinic. His parents are with him. The senior female doctor is holding the boys hands. Results 1-10 of 138,285.
Mental health adjustments
mental health changes over time, so what works for an employee now might not work in the future; Examples of reasonable adjustments for mental health. Reasonable adjustments are specific to an individual person. They can cover any area of work. Working hours and patterns. For example: more frequent, shorter breaks; paid time off for medical ...
Investment and depreciation tax shield under spatial competition: The
Studies examining the effects of spatial competition spillovers on hospitality firms' decision-making process have been steadily gaining traction. Using a sample of 508 Greek hotels and a Spatial Autoregressive Model (SAR), we examine the consequences of a change in tax depreciation provisions on investment.
Title page setup
Example. Paper title. Place the title three to four lines down from the top of the title page. Center it and type it in bold font. Capitalize major words of the title. Place the main title and any subtitle on separate double-spaced lines if desired. There is no maximum length for titles; however, keep titles focused and include key terms.
Validation of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire in a Norwegian
The present study adds to existing research by testing the psychometric properties of the AEBQ in a sample of 14-year-olds and examining its construct validity by means of the parent-reported CEBQ. The current study uses age 14 data (analysis sample: n = 636) from the ongoing Trondheim Early Secure Study, a longitudinal study of a ...

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Explore our case studies to gain insight into the latest healthcare technology trends, guidance, and perspectives from prominent industry experts.

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Case Study: Goshen Health transforms patient experiences and revenue cycle

Self-Scheduling Boosts Access and Reduces Staff Burden

Health system boosts reach with payer channel scheduling

Cardiology IT Solutions Solve Workflow Issues

Helping an Emergency Services Practice Streamline Accounting

Helping a Medicare Payer That Had Failed CMS Audits

A Midsized Plan Achieved HEDIS Certification and NCQA Accreditation with Help From Change Healthcare Consulting

Anesthesiology Group Improves Thanks to RCM for Physician Practices

Replacing a Core Administrative Processing Solution (CAPS)

EHR Selection and Procurement Case Study

Coordination of Benefits Services Help Health Plan

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Benefits and limitations of case studies

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Example 2: quality of care for complex patients at Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLCs)

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The case study approach

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Obstetric Nursing Case Study

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