Case Report Writing: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid | Editage Insights

Writing a case report can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the process. In the medical field, case reports are essential for analyzing identified problems, diagnosing conditions, and developing solutions based on recurring patterns.

Even after conducting a thorough study, writing the case report can be challenging. What should a case report include? Is there a specific format to follow? How long should it be? Read on to find the answers to these questions!

How to Write a Case Report

Case report writing can be divided into two phases: the pre-writing phase and the writing phase. The pre-writing phase helps structure the draft of your case report, making the actual writing process more efficient.

Pre-writing Phase:

• Select a case based on your research problem and frame a research question. Generally, a case report details a patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. 

• Develop an appropriate theoretical framework. You may report unusual observations, adverse reactions to new therapies or treatments, introduce a new theory, or expand upon/challenge an existing one. 

• Collect data that are pertinent to your case through observations, clinical trials, interviews, or surveys. Be thorough in gathering relevant data. 

• Analyze the case by highlighting key facts, identifying the root causes of the problems, and exploring potential solutions.

Writing Phase:

• Introduction: State the key problem and provide a concise background, relevant facts, and supporting evidence. 

• Case description: Describe your case in detail, including participant information, data collection techniques used, and methodologies used.  

• Solutions and outcomes: Present specific solutions for the identified problem and clearly outline the results.  

• Discussion and conclusions: Discuss the implications of your findings, highlighting both strengths and limitations. Summarize key results and recommend strategies for implementing the proposed solutions.

Formats Used for a Case Report

The format of a case report differs significantly from that of a research article, though the core components remain the same: a representative title, an abstract, an introduction section, a case description, outcomes, discussion, conclusion/summary, and references. As with any research paper, use figures and tables as needed to enhance clarity.

General guidelines for drafting and formatting a case report:

• When describing and analyzing a case, provide contextual details, link findings to existing literature and theory, and discuss broader implications.
  
• For medical case reports, follow the CARE Checklist to ensure completeness and transparency.
• A typical word count for case reports ranges from 500 to 1,500 words, depending on the research problem, target journal guidelines, and academic discipline.
• Some case reports may have a limit on the number of references that can be cited.

Pro tip: Always check the submission guidelines of your target journal for word and reference limits, as well as any specific formatting requirements.

Best Practices for Writing a Good Case Report

• Craft a compelling title
  The title of your case report is the first element that captures the reader’s attention. Make it clear, jargon-free, and descriptive enough to convey the study’s context effectively.
  
• Keep it concise yet informative
  Unlike a research article, a case report should present its analysis in an accessible and engaging manner. Remember, the goal is to provide readers with sufficient information to understand the complex situation and how the proposed solutions address the research problem.
  
• Ensure a thorough analysis
  A case report offers an opportunity to educate the research community about complex phenomena within their natural context, especially in the medical field. Your analysis should examine the case’s details—background, context, and behavioral patterns—to identify key insights. Focus on delivering valuable and meaningful content rather than just meeting a word count.
  
• End on a thought-provoking note
  Just as a marketing copy concludes with a “call-to-action,” your case report should leave readers reflecting on a key point from your study. Engaging your audience beyond the final paragraph can spark discussion and lay the groundwork for future research.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Although case reports provide critical information and drive further research, they are not without challenges. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid.

• Lack of a clear research objective
  Failing to define a clear research question or objective makes the study unfocused. Ensure that your case report addresses a specific problem, hypothesis, or learning objective.
• Poor case selection
  Choosing a case that is not representative or relevant can weaken the study’s applicability. Always select cases that are significant, unique, or offer valuable insights into the broader research problem.
  
• Overgeneralization of findings
  Typically, a clinical case report focuses on a specific medical condition or therapy and may not be widely generalizable. Therefore, avoid making broad claims without sufficient evidence, and be sure to discuss the study’s limitations.
  
• Not addressing ethical considerations
  Always discuss ethical implications when relevant. Ensure compliance with ethical standards, such as informed consent and confidentiality, especially when the case involves human subjects.
  
• Incomplete data analysis
  Simply describing a case without critical analysis reduces its academic value. Always interpret your findings using relevant frameworks, theories, or methodologies to provide deeper insights.
  
• Ignoring alternative explanations
  Presenting only one interpretation of the case may introduce bias. Consider alternative perspectives, provide well-supported explanations, and acknowledge potential limitations. 

Conclusion

Writing a case report can be a straightforward process when you follow the right guidelines. A well-structured case report presents compelling real-world evidence, illustrating practical applications, challenges, and solutions that inform and inspire decision-making.