Critical Qualitative Multiple-Case Study: A Methodological Mouthful

Presented on October 7, 2022.
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Title: Critical Qualitative Multiple-Case Study: A Methodological Mouthful
Abstract: There is a long tradition of using case study methodology in the social and health sciences to explore, describe and explain phenomena and social processes that provide holistic and contextualized understandings. In this presentation I outline the development of a critical qualitative multiple-case study methodology and the utility of this methodology as a theory-based approach to studying complex social phenomena. This critical approach draws on both post-positivist and interpretivist constructions of case study methodology and functions as a canvas to create tailored, theory-based methods for exploring and understanding healthcare practices. Specifically, I draw on my experiences conducting a multiple-case study guided by feminist ethics and focused on the concept of relational autonomy, to provide an in-depth analysis of advance care planning (ACP) and critically examine the function of this practice within our current healthcare system. Overall, this session will highlight how case study can be a critical, yet malleable methodological device which can be shaped to examine a wide range of topics and used by scholars working with diverse theoretical perspectives.
Bio: Tieghan Killackey is a registered nurse and a CIHR-funded post-doctoral research fellow working in the department of Child Health Evaluative Sciences at the Hospital for Sick Children. Tieghan is a graduate of the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto where she completed her doctoral work supervised by CQ Academic Fellows Dr. Elizabeth Peter and Dr. Shan Mohammed. Tieghan received certification in Advanced Training in Qualitative Health Research Methodology through the Centre for Critical Qualitative Health Research and holds specialized training in bioethics from the Joint Centre for Bioethics in addition to being certified as a cardiovascular care nurse from the Canadian Nurses Association. During her doctoral work, Tieghan was a trainee with the Ted Rogers Center for Heart Research and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute where her research used case study methodology to critically examine autonomy and the practice of advance care planning for people living with advanced chronic disease. Tieghan received support for her doctoral research through awards such as the Adel Sedra Distinguished Graduate Award, the Peter Munk Research Scholar Award and the Ted Rogers Centre PhD Education Award. Most importantly, Tieghan was awarded an honourable mention for the Joan Eakin Award for Methodological Excellence in a Qualitative Doctoral Dissertation for her PhD thesis work and is thrilled to be sharing her work as part of the CQ Seminar Series.