Qualitative Comparative Analysis: A Hybrid Method for Identifying Factors Associated With Program Effectiveness

Deborah Cragun, Tuya Pal, Susan T. Vadaparampil, Julie Baldwin, Heather Hampel, Rita D. DeBate

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) was developed over 25 years ago to bridge the qualitative and quantitative research gap. On searching PubMed and the Journal of Mixed Methods Research, this review identified 30 original research studies that used QCA. Perceptions that QCA is complex and provides few relative advantages over other methods may be limiting QCA adoption. Thus, to overcome these perceptions, this article demonstrates how to perform QCA using data from 15 institutions that implemented universal tumor screening programs to identify patients at high risk for hereditary colorectal cancer. In this example, QCA revealed a combination of conditions unique to effective universal tumor screening programs. Results informed additional research and provided a model for improving patient follow-through after a positive screen.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)251-272
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Mixed Methods Research
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • RE-AIM
  • configurational comparative method
  • cross-case comparison
  • effectiveness
  • evaluation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty

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