Case study research: building the occupational therapy evidence base one case at a time

Background: There is growing recognition in healthcare that evidence from randomised controlled trials may not be appropriate to answer the full spectrum of practice-based questions and a more pluralistic approach is needed.
Aim: To consider the use of case study research in contributing to the occupational therapy evidence base.
Material and methods: A critical discussion of the current state of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy and exploration of a viable approach to case study research is used.
Results: Case study research can capture the context and complexity of occupational therapy practice. Cases can then be pooled to make a substantial contribution to the evidence base.
Conclusions: Occupational therapists should consider the use of case study research to produce practice related, meaningful research. Journal editorial boards need to be mindful of the value of high-quality case study research when considering publication priorities in occupational therapy literature.
Significance: Highlights a changing landscape in the literature about how best to conduct research in health and social care, particularly for complex interventions and describes a pragmatic approach to case study research for occupational therapy.