How to Write a Case Study

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Introduction

In evidence-based pyramid, case studies come in the in the forth 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

• Title
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Client Characteristics
• Examination Findings
• Clinical Hypothesis
• Intervention
• Outcome
• Discussion
• References

Instructions

A case study should be limited to clinical relevant information. In order to eliminate unnecessary details begin with asking yourself a set of questions: what is my purpose of writing this article? what is my message? Then gather all needed information on the case 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.

CITATION

Title

Expressive and concise titles attract readers. Highlight the most essential keywords in your topic.

You may chose wither of these 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

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

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

Here is the place to describe 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 give 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

What tests have you utilized to guide your decision and reach a 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, please respect their privacy and make sure to ask for permission before publishing.

Example:

Clinical Hypothesis

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

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 amend or apply certain modifications, write about them.

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.

Discussion

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

Your writing should end with a reference list.

Resources

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Merging_stratification_approaches_in_physical_therapy_management_of_a_case_of_subacute_low_back_pain

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Category:Amputee_Case_Studies

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Category:Case_Studies

Management of Neck Pain: a case study