Making the Case for Case Study Research

Case study research is an excellent way for health care chaplains to contribute to a body of knowledge pertaining to the evidence-based practice of pastoral and spiritual care in hospitals and health care institutions. This type of research strengthens our practice, connects it to theory and theology, facilitates the development of models and paradigms, and demonstrates that what we do is effective and that it makes a difference. This article provides a how-to guide for chaplains interested in learning to conduct case study research, including research design, data collection/analysis and preparation of the manuscript.