Is realist evaluation keeping its promise? A review of published empirical studies in the field of health systems research
| Autor: | Josefien van Olmen, Sara Van Belle, Tom Hoerée, Guy Kegels, Bruno Marchal |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2012 |
| Předmět: |
Sociology and Political Science
Scope (project management) business.industry Management science Methodology Context (language use) Theory of change Development Health systems research Terminology law.invention Epistemology Empirical research Review of the literature law Health care CLARITY Theory Sociology business Evaluation Mechanism (sociology) Concepts |
| Popis: | This overview aims to stimulate conceptual and practical discussions to help unlock the full potential of realist evaluation in health systems research. Based on a structured literature search, this review maps how the concepts of realist evaluation are applied in health systems research and which methodological problems are encountered. We found a great diversity in the depth of application of the philosophical concepts, use of terminology and scope of application in the research process. Terms of theory-driven evaluation, theories of change and realist evaluation are often used interchangeably. Diverging views exist regarding the nature of ‘mechanism’ and the difference between mechanism and essential context condition. A lack of methodological guidance was highlighted by many authors. Realist evaluation is slowly gaining traction in health systems research, but more clarity is needed concerning the definitions of mechanisms and context and how the configuration of context, mechanism and intervention can be described and assessed. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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