How to Write a Case Study: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
In evidence-based | In evidence-based hierarchy, case studies come in the in the fifth level. Although they cannot be considered as guidelines, case studies are powerful material to share clinical experience and knowledge. You could write a case study to represent a typical or an unusual case presentation and share your successful program with your colleagues. | ||
There are general guidelines for case studies but if you are writing for publication you have to be aware of the journal's specific requirements. If you're writing a case study as part of Physioplus program assignment the following instructions will take you a step by step into the writing process. | There are general guidelines for case studies but if you are writing for publication you have to be aware of the journal's specific requirements. If you're writing a case study as part of Physioplus program assignment the following instructions will take you a step by step into the writing process. | ||
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== Instructions == | == Instructions == | ||
A case study should be limited to clinical relevant information. In order to eliminate unnecessary details begin | A case study should be limited to clinical relevant information. In order to eliminate unnecessary details begin by asking yourself a set of questions: '''what is my purpose of writing this article?''' '''what is my message?''' Then gather all needed information and search similar cases in literature to make relations. Try to keep interpretations on the development of the pathology and disease development as simple as possible and keep your article limited to proven facts<ref>Budgell B. Guidelines to the writing of case studies. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2008 Dec;52(4):199.</ref>. | ||
<u>Throughout the whole writing process, you should support your case with evidence by citing information properly.</u> | |||
=== Title === | === Title === | ||
Expressive and concise titles attract readers. Highlight the most essential keywords in your topic. | Expressive and concise titles attract readers. Highlight the most essential keywords in your topic. | ||
You may chose | You may chose either of these suggested formulas: | ||
<nowiki>''</nowiki> A case study of cervicogenic headache responding to mobilization with movement technique<nowiki>''</nowiki> or <nowiki>''</nowiki>Mobilization with movement technique in cervicogenic headache: a case study<nowiki>''</nowiki> | <nowiki>''</nowiki> A case study of cervicogenic headache responding to mobilization with movement technique<nowiki>''</nowiki> or <nowiki>''</nowiki>Mobilization with movement technique in cervicogenic headache: a case study<nowiki>''</nowiki> | ||
Example of a n expressive title: | Example of a n expressive title: | ||
=== Abstract === | === Abstract === | ||
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=== Introduction === | === Introduction === | ||
In the introduction you give your readers an idea on the background of the case. Then discuss relevant cases and similar literature briefly. However, the most important aim of the introduction is driving your readers' attention to the purpose of your report. They should have a clear vision of your objectives. | In the introduction, you give your readers an idea on the background of the case. Then discuss relevant cases and similar literature briefly. However, the most important aim of the introduction is driving your readers' attention to the purpose of your report. They should have a clear vision of your objectives. | ||
If there is anything interesting or challenging you met when diagnosing or managing this case, it's worth mentioning in the introduction. | If there is anything interesting or challenging you met when diagnosing or managing this case, it's worth mentioning in the introduction. | ||
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=== Client Characteristics === | === Client Characteristics === | ||
Here is | Here is where you mention the demographic data, nature of the condition and answer this question: why the patient sought your help? Try to use the patient's own words in describing the chief complaint. | ||
History-taking usually | History-taking usually gives us lots of information but in client characteristics it's better to eliminate non relevant data. Inform your readers about the information that guided your diagnosis and directed your hypothesis. | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
=== Examination Findings === | === Examination Findings === | ||
What tests have you utilized to guide your decision and reach | What tests have you utilized to guide your decision and reach your final diagnosis? What results have you obtained from your examination? Were there any related observations? | ||
Give details on the tests and examination you have used and make sure they are valid and cited. You may want to describe the test application and response. | Give details on the tests and examination you have used and make sure they are valid and cited. You may want to describe the test application and response. Again, restrict yourself to relevant information and eliminate unnecessary details. | ||
If you are writing your case study on Physiopedia, you may want to link the test to a relevant page or add a video or an image of the test. If you are using an image for your patient(s), please respect their privacy and make sure to ask for permission before publishing. | |||
If you are writing your case study on Physiopedia, you may want to link the test to a relevant page or add a video or an image of the test. If you are using an image for your patient, please respect their privacy and make sure to ask for permission before publishing. | |||
Example: | Example: | ||
=== Clinical Hypothesis === | === Clinical Hypothesis/Impression === | ||
From your findings on the physical examination, what decision have you reached? What helped you in clinical reasoning? | From your findings on the physical examination, what decision have you reached? What helped you in clinical reasoning? | ||
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=== Intervention === | === Intervention === | ||
Mention your treatment goals and discuss your management program. Name your techniques, describe them in details and make sure to cite them properly. If you had to | Mention your treatment goals and discuss your management program. Name your techniques, describe them in details and make sure to cite them properly. If you had to apply certain modifications to your treatment, write about them. | ||
Example: | |||
=== Outcome === | === Outcome === | ||
Report the degree of response and the tools/methods you used to measure improvement or worsening. Also, here you tell your readers about your discharge plan or referrals to another healthcare specialist. | Report the degree of response and the tools/methods you've used to measure improvement or worsening. Also, here you tell your readers about your discharge plan or referrals to another healthcare specialist. | ||
Example: | |||
=== Discussion === | === Discussion === | ||
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=== References === | === References === | ||
Your writing should end with a reference list. | Your writing should end with a reference list. Only include references that you have used in your case. | ||
== Resources == | == Resources == | ||
[[ | [[:Category:Case Studies|Case Studies]] | ||
[[: | [[The Management of Neck pain: A Case Study|Management of Neck Pain: a case study]] | ||
[[ | [[Merging stratification approaches in physical therapy management of a case of subacute low back pain]] | ||
[[: | [[Amputation secondary to Diabetes Mellitus: Amputee Case Study]] | ||
[[ | [[Manual Therapy and Exercise Intervention in the Treatment of Shoulder and Neck Pain in a Patient with Mental Health Comorbidities: A Case Report]] | ||
[[The | [[The effectiveness of thoracic manipulations on shoulder pain: A Case Report]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In evidence-based hierarchy, case studies come in the in the fifth level. Although they cannot be considered as guidelines, case studies are powerful material to share clinical experience and knowledge. You could write a case study to represent a typical or an unusual case presentation and share your successful program with your colleagues.
There are general guidelines for case studies but if you are writing for publication you have to be aware of the journal's specific requirements. If you're writing a case study as part of Physioplus program assignment the following instructions will take you a step by step into the writing process.
The Anatomy of a case study article[edit | edit source]
- Title
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Client Characteristics
- Examination Findings
- Clinical Hypothesis
- Intervention
- Outcome
- Discussion
- References
Instructions[edit | edit source]
A case study should be limited to clinical relevant information. In order to eliminate unnecessary details begin by asking yourself a set of questions: what is my purpose of writing this article? what is my message? Then gather all needed information and search similar cases in literature to make relations. Try to keep interpretations on the development of the pathology and disease development as simple as possible and keep your article limited to proven facts[1].
Throughout the whole writing process, you should support your case with evidence by citing information properly.
Title[edit | edit source]
Expressive and concise titles attract readers. Highlight the most essential keywords in your topic.
You may chose either of these suggested formulas:
'' A case study of cervicogenic headache responding to mobilization with movement technique'' or ''Mobilization with movement technique in cervicogenic headache: a case study''
Example of a n expressive title:
Abstract[edit | edit source]
A narrative abstract includes a summary of the purpose, case presentation, intervention and outcomes.
Write your abstract after finishing the article.
Example of a well written abstract:
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In the introduction, you give your readers an idea on the background of the case. Then discuss relevant cases and similar literature briefly. However, the most important aim of the introduction is driving your readers' attention to the purpose of your report. They should have a clear vision of your objectives.
If there is anything interesting or challenging you met when diagnosing or managing this case, it's worth mentioning in the introduction.
Example:
Client Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Here is where you mention the demographic data, nature of the condition and answer this question: why the patient sought your help? Try to use the patient's own words in describing the chief complaint.
History-taking usually gives us lots of information but in client characteristics it's better to eliminate non relevant data. Inform your readers about the information that guided your diagnosis and directed your hypothesis.
Example:
Examination Findings[edit | edit source]
What tests have you utilized to guide your decision and reach your final diagnosis? What results have you obtained from your examination? Were there any related observations?
Give details on the tests and examination you have used and make sure they are valid and cited. You may want to describe the test application and response. Again, restrict yourself to relevant information and eliminate unnecessary details.
If you are writing your case study on Physiopedia, you may want to link the test to a relevant page or add a video or an image of the test. If you are using an image for your patient(s), please respect their privacy and make sure to ask for permission before publishing.
Example:
Clinical Hypothesis/Impression[edit | edit source]
From your findings on the physical examination, what decision have you reached? What helped you in clinical reasoning?
Remember, your hypothesis should be supported with evidence.
Example:
Intervention[edit | edit source]
Mention your treatment goals and discuss your management program. Name your techniques, describe them in details and make sure to cite them properly. If you had to apply certain modifications to your treatment, write about them.
Example:
Outcome[edit | edit source]
Report the degree of response and the tools/methods you've used to measure improvement or worsening. Also, here you tell your readers about your discharge plan or referrals to another healthcare specialist.
Example:
Discussion[edit | edit source]
In the discussion, you summarize the whole experience and share you you have learnt.
Discuss your hypothesis and support your theories with evidence. However, it's better to keep it simple and concise with regards to theoretical aspects.
References[edit | edit source]
Your writing should end with a reference list. Only include references that you have used in your case.
Resources[edit | edit source]
Management of Neck Pain: a case study
Merging stratification approaches in physical therapy management of a case of subacute low back pain
Amputation secondary to Diabetes Mellitus: Amputee Case Study
The effectiveness of thoracic manipulations on shoulder pain: A Case Report
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Budgell B. Guidelines to the writing of case studies. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2008 Dec;52(4):199.
