10 Steps to Writing an Effective Case Report

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A Case Report is a detailed report of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a patient. Case Reports may contain a demographic profile of the patient but usually describes an unusual or novel occurrence.

Step 1: Identify the Category of Your Case Report

Step 2: Select an Appropriate Journal

Step 3: Structure Your Case Report According to the Journal Format

Step 4: Start Writing

Step 5: Collect Information Related to the Case

Step 6: Deciding the Contents of the Case Report

Step 7: Writing the Introduction

Step 8: Patient Data and Case Description

Step 9: Discussion and Conclusion

Step 10: References and Other Formatting

The Stages in Writing a Case Report Can be Summarized as Follows:

Introduction

Content should be brief and less than 3 paragraphs:

  • State the purpose of the case report
  • Provide background information and pertinent definitions
  • Introduce the patient’s case

Patient’s Case Presentation

Ensure that the patient’s case presentation provides enough detail for the reader to establish the case’s validity:

  • Patient demographics (age, sex, height, weight, etc.)—avoid patient identifiers (date of birth, initials)
  • Patient’s complaints
  • Patient’s present illness and medical/family/social/medication history before admission
  • Each drug’s name, strength, dosage form, route, and dates of administration
  • The completed diagnostic procedures that are pertinent and support the case and their salient results.
  • Photographs of histopathology, roentgenograms, electrocardiograms, skin manifestations, or anatomy
  • Patient consent and adherence to institutional guidelines

Discussion

Justify the uniqueness of the case in this section:

  • Compare and contrast the nuances of the case report with the literature review
  • List the limitations of the case report and describe their relevance
  • Confirm the accuracy of the descriptive patient case report
  • Summarize the salient features of the case report
  • Draw recommendations and conclusions

Conclusion

This section should be brief and not exceed one paragraph:

  • Provide a justified conclusion
  • Provide evidence-based recommendations
  • List opportunities for research

We hope you find the information valuable while writing your Case Report. Comment below and let us know your thoughts.

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