How to write a case report

How to write a casereport

Dr Taqi Hashmi MB BChir MA (Cantab) MRCGP

Family Medicine ConsultantDepartment of Family Medicine

King Faisal Hospital & Research Centre - Jeddah

The research challenge

The first step : the case report

Detailed view

The basic case report components

• Case presentation: C/O, O/E, (PMH, FH, Investigations, Differentials, Rx) if indicated, Outcome

• Abstract (summary)

• Refs

• Background (Why this case?)

• Discussion (Validity, uniqueness, new knowledge, review of cases)

• Learning points (3)

We want this

But we start with this

Think process not outcome

• Case presentation: C/O, O/E, (PMH, FH, Investigations, Differentials, Rx) if indicated, Outcome

• Abstract (summary)

• Refs

• Background (Why this case?)

• Discussion (Validity, uniqueness, new knowledge, review of cases)

• Learning points (3)

What do they want?

"In the era of evidence-based practice, we need practice-based evidence.”Professor Michael Kidd AM

New!

• Pathogenesis• Adverse effect• Disease• Diagnostic procedure• Treatment

(drug/intervention)

Unusual• Unusual or rare

– Unusual presentation of a common disease

– Unusual association of diseases/symptoms

– Rare disease– Unexpected outcome

(positive or negative) including adverse drug reactions

• Important– Clinical lesson –

reminder• Images

We are all exhausted but…

Don’t let the opportunity pass

Make a note!

Get the consent before they go!

Will it fly?

Pubmed time

MyNCBI : Sign Up & Sign In

The 3 S’s

Search

Summarise

Sort

Get the format & syntax right

Write clearly & logically

Proof read multiply

Identify your weak links• Time management• Literature search• Weak syntax• Weak logic

Organise your tasks & info

Teamwork

But be prepared to go alone

It is going to happen

• Rejection is good news.

• Revision is great news!

• Major revision• Minor revision• Address the points

ONLY

Rejection? Resubmit at least eight times

A different angle

How is Saudi Arabia doing?Year No 1 No 2 No 3 Saudi Arabia

1996 USA (321,877) Japan UK 42 (793)

1997 USA Japan UK 43

1998 USA Japan UK 43

1999 USA Japan UK 44

2000 USA Japan UK 47

2001 USA Japan UK 48

2002 USA Japan UK 48

2003 USA Japan UK 48

2004 USA China UK 49

2005 USA China UK 50

2006 USA China UK 51

2007 USA China UK 52

2008 USA China UK 54

2009 USA China UK 51

2010 USA (502,804) China UK 46 (5739)

Regional Comparison

Similar population size2010 FiguresMSA 28m, GDP $442b, 15KKSA 27m, GDP $676b, 25K

Increasing contribution of other fields

Why aren’t we achieving our potential?

Even ice melts

A supportive environment

Leadership by example at the local level

Streamline the approvals process

Be part of a local research network

Be genuine

@dr_taqi