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