Box 2.
Example of theory building action evaluation comparative design
A comparative study of the quality programmes in six Norwegian hospitals over four years provided evidence about results and factors critical for success.23 It also provided the first detailed and long term description about what hospitals in a public system actually did and how their programmes changed over time.5 The common factors critical for success were involvement of management and doctors at all levels, good data systems, the right training, and effective project team management.