Case Reports: The core of practice-based evidence
Journal Title: Journal of Health and Social Sciences - Year 2019, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
A case report is a type of scientific paper that describes a patient-centred clinical pathway, which depends on medical doctor’s viewpoint, clinical insights and professional skills [1]. Case reports are particularly useful to: 1) recognize rare or uncommon clinical presentation of common diseases or clinical features of rare illnesses; 2) identify new diseases; and 3) establish the cost-effectiveness of medical treatments [2]. Furthermore, a case report is often the most important source of information on adverse effects following therapies. According to Greenwalt, case reports can explain a complex reality, because “a carefully documented study of an unusual patient represents an experiment of nature that may be the opportunity to explain a long-recorded but unexplained clinical mystery” [3]. It is well-recognized that scientific progress is based on upon observation, and it is supplemented by many experimentations. Nevertheless, medicine must often satisfy the patient that could be affected by a condition for which no study or guidelines can support the clinical decision more than the practical experience of the same medical doctor and/or the preferences given by the patient. Case reports may be useful, because they generate insight and hypotheses for further research (e.g., incidence studies) [1]; moreover, they can support individual treatment needs [1, 4] and promote problem-based learning among health professionals [2]. Ultimately, a case report can increase the medical knowledge of readers that can re-use it in their own medical practice. The case report is the weakest link in the evidence-based medical chain. However, the clinical case as the bottom of scientific pyramid is the starting point for carrying out most evidence- based scientific contributions like metanalysis and clinical trials [1].
Authors and Affiliations
Antonio Villa
Keywords
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- EP ID EP612748
- DOI 10.19204/2019/csrp1
- Views 113
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