Medical case studies are in-depth reports documenting the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of one patient. Composing an effective case study is an exercise in critical thinking, analysis, and writing for health students. An effective case study not only illustrates a student’s grasp of medical concepts but also benefits the broader medical community by pointing out unusual presentations, diagnostic dilemmas, or creative treatment strategies.
Understanding of Purpose and Structure
Before one sit down to write a medical case study, he/she must know its purpose and organization. A case study is meant to convey something unusual or new, i.e., an unusual condition, an unusual presentation of a familiar disease, or an unusual reaction to treatment. The general structure entails an abstract, introduction, case presentation, discussion, and sometimes a conclusion or summary of the main learning points. Although there may be variations in some formats, these main elements are always present.
Selecting a Compelling Case
The start of an excellent case study is selecting a compelling case. Look for cases with therapeutic dilemmas, diagnostic problems, or untypical patient traits. Look for cases with unexpected results, strange diseases, or novel treatment modalities. Notice potential case reports during your early training. Discuss interesting cases with your healthcare team to identify the key learning points. A more experienced member of your team or registrar can offer good guidance and mentorship. Select a case that genuinely interests you and stimulates your intellectual interest. That interest will be conveyed through a more engaging and informative case study.
Gathering Information and Obtaining Consent
After choosing a case, collect all the information from hospital systems and medical records, such as laboratory tests and imaging. Anonymize data per hospital policy. Most importantly, get written consent and permission from the patient (parents or guardians if pediatric) to publish the case. Document this consent. Most important in medical writing and research is maintaining patient confidentiality and ethics.
Writing the Case Study: Step-by-Step Instructions
Presenting the patient’s history in straightforward, simple terms is part of writing the case study. While it will usually benefit you to write the report through and incorporate all information that you find useful, it will not hurt later to cut or edit what you have written up to this point.
- Abstract: Save the last, encapsulating the case, the issue it poses, and the message that it conveys. Condense it into 150-250 words at best. Put in bold what the main points are and the most important findings.
- Introduction: Briefly state the problem the case is addressing. State how uncommon the condition is. Finish with a sentence about the patient and his or her condition. Set up the reader by creating context and stating the significance of the case.
- Case Presentation: Present the case in simple and concise terms. Write history, examination results, investigations, and treatment. Mention relevant positive and negative findings. One easy way is to present this section in individual paragraphs of history, examination, investigation, treatment, and outcome. Add one or two images to keep the reader interested. Use simple and plain language, avoiding medical jargon wherever possible.
- Discussion: This is the most critical section, determining the relevance of the case. Elaborate on the introduction to justify why the case is significant. Cite relevant literature. State what has previously been discussed and the key hypotheses or theories that account for the clinical findings. Link the case to prior knowledge, stating whether it supports or refutes current beliefs and how it will contribute to future practice. Emphasize the learning points and how this will affect future clinical practice. Critically and analytically appraise.
- Conclusion (or Summary Points): A few journals request that there is a conclusion with key messages in three or four bullet points. Give a brief but effective overview of the most important learning points from the case.
Highlighting What Makes Your Case Different
Discuss how your case was different and what challenges the team faced. Discuss other forms of therapy the lessons to be learned from your experience and what that implies for future practice. Think about what implications your results have for other clinicians and patients.
Refining Your Work
After writing the initial draft, take time to refine your work. Ensure that all relevant details are included while unnecessary ones are excluded. Check for clarity, conciseness, and accuracy. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors. Review and revise your work multiple times to ensure it is polished and error-free.
Presenting and Publishing Your Case Report
Discuss with your supervisor the manner of presenting or publishing your case report. Present your article, at least, locally in a departmental or team meeting. This can help you obtain feedback and allow you to improve your work before submitting it for publication.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, medical students can write perfect medical case studies that not only enhance their learning process but also contribute valuable information to the medical fraternity. Writing a well-written and informative medical case study makes you introduce and discuss something new and innovative about a particular diagnosis, treatment, or patient outcome. The goal is to contribute to the medical community’s body of knowledge and provide better patient care. Remember to approach each case with inquisitiveness, work ethic, and excellence.