Multi-level case studies in development of complex interventions: an example of the good goals intervention

Methods Prospective multi-level, mixed-methods (qual+quant) case studies were used to model an intervention (‘Good Goals’) to improve shared goal-setting in occupational therapy. Cases were purposively sampled (n=3 services, n=46 clinicians within these, and n=588 of their patients). Good Goals was delivered to clinicians over 25 weeks; data were collected before, during, and after delivery using interviews, focus group, case note analysis, routine data, document analysis and researchers’ observations. Results were synthesised within each case, then compared across cases.