What research method was used in the report by Bedell, Cohen, and Sullivan to analyze case management literature?

The choice of meta-analysis as the research method used by Bedell, Cohen, and Sullivan is appropriate because it indicates that they systematically reviewed and synthesized a number of studies regarding case management literature to arrive at broader conclusions.

Meta-analysis allows researchers to combine results from multiple studies, thereby increasing the statistical power and providing a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It also helps to identify patterns or common findings among various studies, which is especially valuable in fields like case management, where different studies may yield varying results. By employing this method, the authors can pool data and analyze it as if it were derived from a single large study, ultimately leading to more robust insights than a traditional literature review could offer.

In contrast, qualitative analysis would focus more on understanding themes or experiences from a smaller dataset; a descriptive study would primarily present findings without an in-depth synthesis of the results; and a single case study would analyze a specific instance, lacking the broader applicability that meta-analysis provides.