Appraising psychotherapy case studies in practice-based evidence

Introducing Case Study Evaluation-tool (CaSE)

Bibliographic Data

ID4987726
AuthorsGreta Kaluzeviciute (0000-0003-1197-177X, University of Essex, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume34
Issue1
Pages9-9
Publication date2021-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsicologia Reflexão e Crítica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0102-7972 • E-ISSN: 1678-7153
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1186/s41155-021-00175-y
PMID33740151
OpenAlexW3138423279
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited61

Systematic case studies are often placed at the low end of evidence-based practice (EBP) due to lack of critical appraisal. This paper seeks to attend to this research gap by introducing a novel Case Study Evaluation-tool (CaSE). First, issues around knowledge generation and validity are assessed in both EBP and practice-based evidence (PBE) paradigms. Although systematic case studies are more aligned with PBE paradigm, the paper argues for a complimentary, third way approach between the two paradigms and their 'exemplary' methodologies: case studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Second, the paper argues that all forms of research can produce 'valid evidence' but the validity itself needs to be assessed against each specific research method and purpose. Existing appraisal tools for qualitative research (JBI, CASP, ETQS) are shown to have limited relevance for the appraisal of systematic case studies through a comparative tool assessment. Third, the paper develops purpose-oriented evaluation criteria for systematic case studies through CaSE Checklist for Essential Components in Systematic Case Studies and CaSE Purpose-based Evaluative Framework for Systematic Case Studies. The checklist approach aids reviewers in assessing the presence or absence of essential case study components (internal validity). The framework approach aims to assess the effectiveness of each case against its set out research objectives and aims (external validity), based on different systematic case study purposes in psychotherapy. Finally, the paper demonstrates the application of the tool with a case example and notes further research trajectories for the development of CaSE tool

Alternative medicine · Case study research · Checklist · Cognitive psychology · Critical appraisal · Evidence-based practice · External validity · Internal validity · Management science · MEDLINE · Political science · Relevance (law) · Research design · Set (abstract data type) · Sociology · Systematic review · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Computer Science · Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics · Engineering · Medicine · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology

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