Case Reports

Welcome to the Case Reports guide. The suggested resources in this guide are to help you understand the structure and purpose of case reports, break down the writing process, and explore tools that can assist you in creating effective case reports. To access all library resources, go to the Creighton Libraries website. 

Please feel free to contact the University Libraries by phone, email, or instant message with any questions or if you need additional information. You can also reach out directly to your subject's Research & Instruction Librarian with any questions or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you!

A case report is

a detailed account of the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient that is.drawn from meaningful clinical encounter(s). Case reports are valuable because they:

• Highlight new or rare conditions
• Provide insights into clinical decision-making
• Serve as educational tools for healthcare professionals and researchers
• Can lead to further research or changes in clinical practice

Analyzing multiple cases is referred to as a case series, which typically includes three or more cases. It provides detailed information about each patient's demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. A case series may be categorized under the federal definition of “research” and thus require IRB approval.

Advantages

While case reports are situated "lower" in traditional research methods hierarchies, such as the popular "pyramid of evidence." there are many advantages for professional students and early-career researchers to conduct a case report, including:

• Does not require significant financial resources like more robust projects
• Typically does not require IRB approval
• Develops clinical and research skills such as synthesizing a case, conducting research and producing output, sharing experience and learning with colleagues
• Strengthens relationships with mentors through the case itself and in collaborating on the report
• Develops a resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

Identifying a strong case

There are many variables to identifying a good case. Consider if your case includes one or more of the following:

• Presentation of a novel disease or rare manifestation of a common disease
• Better understanding of a disease mechanism
• Illustration of adverse treatment effects
• Describing innovative treatments or management
• Outlining controversial or ethical dilemmas

Luciano G, Jobbins K, Rosenblum M. A Curriculum to Teach Learners How to Develop and Present a Case Report. MedEdPORTAL. 2018;14:10692. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10692