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What is a case report?
A case report is a detailed description of a patient's presentation, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. It is published because the case teaches other clinicians something worth knowing.
What makes a case publishable?The case must have educational value. Ask: what would another doctor learn from reading this? It does not need to be a rare disease. A common condition presenting unusually can be publishable.
Do I need patient consent?⌄
Yes, always. Written patient consent is non-negotiable before you write anything. Most journals require a completed consent form as part of submission.
How do I find a publishable case?⌄
Keep a note of interesting patients during every placement. Ask your registrar if they have cases they have been meaning to write up. Look for unusual presentations, unexpected diagnoses, or cases with a clear learning point.
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Step by step guide
1
Identify your case
The case must have educational value. Discuss with your supervisor whether it is publishable. They become a co-author.
2
Obtain patient consent
Get written consent from the patient before writing anything. Use your trust consent form.
3
Collect your data
Systematically collect clinical history, examination findings, investigations, management, and outcome using the CARE framework.
4
Write using CARE structure
Introduction, patient information, clinical findings, timeline, diagnostic assessment, therapeutic intervention, follow-up, discussion.
5
Write a clear discussion
State the learning point clearly. Review similar cases in the literature. Explain the clinical takeaway.
6
Choose a journal and submit
BMJ Case Reports, Journal of Medical Case Reports, and Cureus are good starting points.
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Video walkthrough coming soon
A complete video guide for visual and auditory learners.
Coming soon3
Checklist
Click each item to mark complete.
Case has clear educational value
Supervisor agreed to co-author
Written patient consent obtained
CARE checklist downloaded and followed
Complete clinical timeline documented
All investigation results gathered
Discussion has clear learning point
Relevant literature reviewed
Patient-identifying information removed
Target journal guidelines reviewed
Test your understanding
5 questions on the key concepts.
1. What makes a case report publishable?
2. When must you obtain consent?
3. What is the CARE checklist?
4. Which journals are good for student case reports?
5. What must a strong discussion always include?