How to write the text sections of your case report

In the “Write” view, you will find each of the sections of a case report based on the CARE guidelines. To enter editing mode for a given section, hover your cursor over that section, then select the three dots icon to the left of it, then select the Edit button. Your work will be automatically saved as you write.

Below you will find explanations of the information to include in the text field sections of your case report.

Title

The title for your case report should be short and provide a description of the focus of your case report followed by the words “a case report.” The title you choose may be edited at any time. Make sure you de-identify all patient information and have informed patient consent on file.

Keywords

Enter five keywords for your case report to aid readers conducting a digital search. The keyword “case report” will be added automatically.

Abstract

The abstract (best written last), is short, and may be structured or unstructured. The abstract is written without references and should be in the English language. A structured abstract should include three sections: (1) Background, (2) Case Information, and (3) Conclusion.

Introduction

The introduction (1–2 paragraphs) provides a brief overview of the case and may include an important scientific references. It should also include a 1–2 sentence overview of the patient followed by your key “take-away” message(s) for the reader. Please end the introduction with “This case report follows the CARE Guidelines” (Citation: Riley DS, Barber MS, Kienle GS, et al. CARE Explanation and Elaborations: Reporting Guidelines for Case Reports. J Clin Epi 2017 Sep;89:218-235. doi: 10.1016/jclinepi.2017.04.026).

Narrative

The narrative (3–5 paragraphs) provides a description of WHAT happened and should be consistent with the timeline automatically created by CARE-writer from the visit summaries. It usually includes demographic information, history, clinical findings, diagnostic assessments, therapeutic interventions, and final outcome. Make sure you de-identify all patient information and report any adverse events.

Patient Perspective

The patient’s perspective is a brief description of the care received from the patient's perspective. It may describe their motivations for seeking care or report changes that occurred. (You may wish to obtain informed consent at the same you ask the patient for their perspective.)

Discussion

The discussion is a description of WHY the results reported in this case might have happened. The discussion section should include relevant scientific references. A discussion of potential limitations is also important. Case reports may discuss outcomes from a patient receiving more than one therapeutic intervention, often making it challenging to determine which intervention caused which outcome.

Conclusion

The conclusion is usually a one-paragraph summary (without references) stating the primary “take-away” message(s) for the reader.

Acknowledgements

The acknowledgements section should mention the credentials and affiliations for each author and any potential conflicts of interest including funding.