Implementing integrated community-based primary healthcare: Applying the icoach-approach to case selection to Denmark

Abstract

Background: The iCoach approach to case selection focuses on innovative models of community-based primary healthcare (CBPHC) and their contexts. The aim of this study was to assess the possibilities and limitations of the approach based on Denmark, which differs in significant ways from the jurisdictions initially included. Theory and Methods: Case study research suggests the approach is an interesting attempt to standardise case selection based on literal replication. The study reviewed the national grey literature and interviewed key informants at national and local levels. Results: Applying the approach to Denmark required redefining selection criteria related to collaboration and context to capture its specific institutional and policy context. Selecting cases at the organisational level also required assessing how the system level contexts compared to those of the initial three jurisdictions included in iCoach. Discussion: The iCoach approach allows collecting broadly comparable cases of innovative models of CBPHC across jurisdictions. However, the analysis of underlying conditions of implementing innovative models requires a more interactive approach to case selection. Conclusion: Researchers need to be clearer about the specific purpose of the case selection. This is also highly relevant for practitioners to ensure that insights are applicable in specific local and national contexts.