Health & Biomedical Research: Getting Started

What is a Case Report?

A Case Report is a detailed report of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. Case reports also contain some demographic information about the patient (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin).

National Cancer Institute. Dictionary of Cancer Terms. 

How do I Write a Case Report?

Getting Started

• Conduct a thorough literature search to determine whether the case is unique
  • Request a literature search (faculty & staff only)
• Identify target journals and review the author instructions for case reports (be aware, not all journals accept case reports for publication)
  • Get help choosing a journal
• Obtain permission from the patient or their legal representative for publication 

Writing the Report

1. Introduce the case by providing rationale for reporting the case and its importance
2. Describe the case being reported by outlining details in chronological order; details should include signs, symptoms, medical history, medications, etc.
3. Discuss the case by interpreting the case for readers; explain and defend your diagnosis

For detailed instructions, view our Clinical Case Reports section.