The Application of Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Nursing Research: A Methodological Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract Introduction Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a set-theoretic method that bridges qualitative and quantitative approaches, offering unique advantages for examining complex causal configurations in nursing science. Despite growing adoption, the methodological rigor with which QCA has been applied in nursing research remains unclear. A comprehensive assessment of current application practices is needed to guide future researchers toward more transparent and reproducible use of this method. Objective This study aims to systematically map and critically appraise the methodological characteristics of QCA applications in nursing research, identifying the scope, reporting quality, and common methodological issues. Method This methodological scoping review protocol will be developed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute manual and guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The databases included in the study will be PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global will be used for gray literature. Studies published from inception to the present will be included. No language restrictions will be applied. Two independent researchers will carry out a paired review to ensure the relevance of the studies. Methodological quality of included QCA studies will be appraised using a purpose-designed checklist informed by Schneider and Wagemann (2010) reporting standards. The studies will be analyzed descriptively, guided by the categorization of results into three domains: (a) bibliometric characteristics; (b) QCA methodological application and reporting quality; (c) substantive findings and implications for nursing practice. Discussion Through the preparation of this protocol, relevant methodological aspects will be identified and interrelated in narrative form with the existing literature on QCA methodology. This review will provide nursing researchers with an evidence-based guide for the appropriate application of QCA and contribute to the advancement of methodological rigor in nursing science.