what is a case study of a patient

How to Write and Format Evidence-Based Nursing Case Studies: A 2025 Guide

Case studies play a crucial role in nursing education and practice, offering in-depth insights into patient care and outcomes. They allow nursing students and professionals to explore real-world scenarios, develop critical thinking skills, and apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to write evidence-based nursing case studies, detailing various types, benefits, limitations, and a step-by-step format for creating impactful nursing case studies.

How to Write and Format Evidence-Based Nursing Case Studies

Overview of a Case Study in Nursing

A nursing case study is a detailed examination of an individual patient or a group of patients, focusing on their clinical presentation, nursing interventions, and outcomes. It helps to educate and inform by providing a real-world context for nursing practice and contributing to the development of care. Nursing case studies explore various aspects of patient care, including the nursing process, nursing diagnoses, care plans , and treatment plans.

Nursing Case Study Format

Title Page: The title page should clearly state the title of the case study, the author(s), and their affiliation. This page sets the stage for the reader, providing essential information about the study.
Abstract: The abstract is a concise summary of the entire case study. It should briefly describe the patient’s case, interventions, outcomes, and the significance of the study. An effective abstract allows readers to quickly grasp the main points of the nursing case study.
Introduction: The introduction provides background information and sets the context for the case study. It should include a statement of the problem or clinical issue, explaining why this case is significant and worthy of study. This section may also touch on the patient’s medical history and the reason they seek medical attention.
Patient Profile: The patient profile section includes demographics such as age, gender, and relevant medical history. This information helps contextualize the patient’s condition and care needs. It may include details about past medical history, history of hypertension, or other relevant patient conditions.
Assessment Data: This section presents subjective data (e.g., patient’s complaints) and objective data (e.g., vital signs, physical examination findings). Diagnostic tests and their results should also be included, providing a comprehensive view of the patient’s condition. The nursing assessment process and findings from the physical examination are crucial components of this section.
Nursing Diagnoses: Identify and prioritize the nursing problems based on the assessment data. Each diagnosis should be clearly stated and justified with evidence from the patient’s case. This section demonstrates the nurse’s ability to diagnose and prioritize patient needs.
Interventions: Describe the nursing interventions implemented to address the identified problems. Each intervention should include a rationale, explaining why it was chosen and how it was expected to benefit the patient. This section may include details about medication administration, pain management strategies, or other specific nursing interventions.
Outcomes Evaluate the patient’s response to the nursing interventions. Discuss whether the interventions were successful and what changes occurred in the patient’s condition. This section should demonstrate the impact of nursing care on patient outcomes.
Discussion Analyze the findings, drawing connections between the interventions and outcomes. Discuss the implications for nursing practice , highlighting lessons learned and potential areas for improvement. This section should demonstrate critical thinking skills and the application of evidence-based practice.
Conclusion Summarize the key points of the case study, reinforcing the main findings and recommendations. This section should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the case’s significance and its contribution to nursing knowledge.
References List all sources and literature cited in the case study. Proper citation ensures the credibility and reliability of the information presented. Cite relevant nursing case studies, research papers, and evidence-based practice guidelines.

Understanding The Different Types Of Case Studies In Nursing Assessments

Descriptive case studies.

Descriptive case studies focus on providing detailed descriptions of specific cases without attempting to explain the underlying mechanisms or causes. They aim to illustrate particular phenomena, patient presentations, or responses to treatments, offering a snapshot of clinical practice .

Examples in Nursing Practice:

Chronicling the presentation and management of a patient with a rare autoimmune disorder.
Documenting the unique response of a patient to a specific chemotherapy regimen.

Exploratory Case Studies

Exploratory case studies are preliminary investigations that aim to identify patterns, hypotheses, or research questions for further study. They are useful when little is known about a phenomenon, and there is a need to gather initial data to guide future research.

Examples in Nursing Research:

Investigating the initial outcomes of a newly implemented telehealth program for managing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes .
Exploring the effects of a novel mindfulness-based intervention on nursing staff well-being.

Explanatory Case Studies

Explanatory case studies seek to explain the causative factors and mechanisms behind observed phenomena. They delve into the “how” and “why” aspects, providing detailed insights into the processes and outcomes of specific interventions.

Examples in Nursing Interventions:

Analyzing why a particular wound care protocol led to faster healing in diabetic patients.
Explaining the success of a patient education program in improving adherence to hypertension medication.

Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Case Studies

Intrinsic Case Studies: Focus on a specific case due to its unique characteristics or intrinsic interest. The primary aim is to understand that particular case in-depth.

Instrumental Case Studies: Use a particular case to gain broader insights into an issue or phenomenon. The case is a tool to understand something more general.

Examples in Clinical Settings:

Intrinsic: An in-depth look at a patient with a rare genetic disorder to understand the disease’s unique manifestations.
Instrumental: Using a patient case to study the common challenges and best practices in managing post-operative pain.

Multiple-Case Studies

Multiple-case studies involve examining several cases to understand differences and similarities. This method enhances the robustness of findings and can improve the generalizability of results by comparing and contrasting multiple instances.

Examples and Benefits in Nursing:

Comparing the outcomes of infection control practices across different hospital units.
Studying the implementation of a new electronic health record system in various clinics to identify best practices and common obstacles.

Benefits and Limitations of Case Studies in Nursing Care

In-Depth Analysis of Patient Care and Outcomes: Case studies provide a comprehensive examination of individual patient cases, capturing detailed information about patient care and clinical outcomes that may not be evident in larger studies.
Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: Documenting real-world examples and patient responses helps build a body of evidence that can inform clinical practice and guide future research .
Development of Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning: Engaging with case studies challenges nurses to think critically, analyze complex situations, and make informed decisions, thereby enhancing their clinical reasoning skills.

Limitations

Potential for Bias: The subjective nature of case studies can introduce researcher or clinician bias, affecting the objectivity and reliability of findings.
Limited Generalizability: Case studies focus on specific instances, making it difficult to generalize findings to larger populations or different settings.
Ethical Considerations: Ensuring patient confidentiality and obtaining informed consent are critical but can be challenging aspects of conducting case studies, especially when dealing with sensitive patient information.

How to Write a Case Study Paper for Nursing

Choosing a Case Criteria for Selecting a Case: Select a case that is relevant, unique, and offers valuable insights into clinical practice. The case should have clear and well-documented patient information, with notable outcomes that can contribute to nursing knowledge.
Ethical Considerations: Obtain informed consent from the patient or their legal representative. Ensure patient confidentiality by de-identifying personal information.
Gathering Data Methods for Collecting and Organizing Patient Information: Collect data from patient records, clinical observations, and interviews. Organize the data systematically, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Include information on vital signs, medication administration, and the patient’s past medical history.

Writing the Case Study Step-by-Step Guide

Start with the Title Page: Include the title, author(s), and affiliation.
Write the Abstract: Summarize the key points of the case study.
Develop the Introduction: Provide background information and state the problem.
Detail the Patient Profile: Include demographics and medical history.
Present the Assessment Data: Include subjective and objective data, and diagnostic results.
Identify Nursing Diagnoses: List and prioritize nursing problems .
Describe Interventions: Detail nursing interventions and their rationale.
Evaluate Outcomes: Assess the patient’s response to interventions.
Write the Discussion: Analyze findings and implications.
Conclude the Study: Summarize key points and recommendations.
List References: Cite all sources and literature.
Integrating Evidence and Literature: Support your case study with current research and clinical guidelines. Integrating evidence enhances the study’s credibility and relevance.
Editing and Revising Techniques for Refining and Improving the Case Study: Review the case study for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical errors and ensure all sections are complete and well-organized. Seek feedback from peers or mentors.
Finalizing the Paper Checklist for Completeness and Accuracy:
Ensure all sections are included and properly formatted.
Verify the accuracy of data and references.
Confirm adherence to ethical guidelines and nursing ethics .

Tips and Techniques for an Effective Nursing Case Study

Clarity and Precision Importance of Clear and Concise Writing: Write clearly and concisely to ensure the reader understands the case study. Avoid jargon and use straightforward language as you describe the history.
Use of Evidence Integrating Research and Clinical Guidelines: Support your interventions and outcomes with evidence from research and clinical guidelines. This adds credibility and strengthens your case study.
Patient Privacy Maintaining Confidentiality and Ethical Standards: Respect patient privacy by de-identifying information. Ensure all ethical standards are met throughout the study.
Critical Analysis Incorporating Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment: Use critical thinking to analyze the case, identify problems, and justify interventions. Demonstrate clinical judgment in evaluating outcomes and making recommendations.
Visual Aids Utilizing Charts, Graphs, and Images to Enhance Understanding: Incorporate visual aids to illustrate key points and enhance understanding. Use charts, graphs, and images where appropriate.

Case Study Topics for Nursing Students

Pediatric nursing.

Case Study Ideas Involving Child Health and Pediatrics:

Management of a child with asthma exacerbation.
Case study on the care of a premature infant in the NICU.

Mental Health Nursing

Case Studies on Psychiatric Conditions and Interventions:

Treatment and management of a patient with bipolar disorder .
Exploring the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in patients with anxiety disorders.

Geriatric Nursing

Topics Related to Elderly Care and Chronic Illnesses:

Managing the care of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease.
A case study on fall prevention strategies in elderly patients.

Community Health Nursing

Case Studies Focused on Public Health and Community Interventions:

Implementing a vaccination program in a rural community.
Addressing health disparities in underserved urban populations.

Specialty Nursing Fields

Topics in Oncology, Cardiology, ICU, etc.:

A case study on the management of chemotherapy side effects in oncology patients .
Cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up care for post-myocardial infarction patients.

Case studies are essential tools in nursing education and practice, providing in-depth insights into patient care and clinical decision-making. By following a structured approach and integrating evidence-based practice, nurses can create impactful case studies that enhance learning and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge. These studies help nursing students and professionals develop critical thinking skills, improve their understanding of the disease process, and learn to provide holistic care. Whether focusing on hypertension management, pain management, or diabetes care, nursing case studies offer valuable opportunities to explore real-world clinical scenarios and improve patient outcomes. If you need assistance with writing case studies, consider seeking our academic writing services for expert guidance and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ideal length for a nursing case study? A typical nursing case study should be between 1,500 to 3,000 words, depending on the complexity of the case and the requirements of your institution. Always check with your instructor or publication guidelines for specific length requirements.
How do I choose a patient for my case study? Select a patient whose case is unique, interesting, or challenging, and offers valuable insights into nursing practice. Ensure you have access to comprehensive medical records and can obtain informed consent from the patient or their legal representative.
Can I use real patient names in my case study? No, you should never use real patient names or identifying information in your case study. Always use pseudonyms and remove or alter any details that could potentially identify the patient to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
How many references should I include in my nursing case study? The number of references can vary, but aim for at least 5-10 high-quality, recent sources to support your case study. Include a mix of textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and evidence-based practice guidelines relevant to your case.
Should I include the patient’s lab results and diagnostic images in my case study? Including relevant lab results and diagnostic images can greatly enhance your case study by providing concrete evidence of the patient’s condition. However, ensure all personal identifiers are removed from these materials and only include information that is directly relevant to the case.

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Case Reports, Case Series – From Clinical Practice to Evidence-Based Medicine in Graduate Medical Education

Jerry w sayre, hale z toklu, joseph mazza, steven yale.

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Hale Z. Toklu [email protected]

Corresponding author.

Received 2017 May 8; Accepted 2017 Aug 5; Collection date 2017 Aug.

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Case reports and case series or case study research are descriptive studies that are prepared for illustrating novel, unusual, or atypical features identified in patients in medical practice, and they potentially generate new research questions. They are empirical inquiries or investigations of a patient or a group of patients in a natural, real-world clinical setting. Case study research is a method that focuses on the contextual analysis of a number of events or conditions and their relationships. There is disagreement among physicians on the value of case studies in the medical literature, particularly for educators focused on teaching evidence-based medicine (EBM) for student learners in graduate medical education. Despite their limitations, case study research is a beneficial tool and learning experience in graduate medical education and among novice researchers. The preparation and presentation of case studies can help students and graduate medical education programs evaluate and apply the six American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies in the areas of medical knowledge, patient care, practice-based learning, professionalism, systems-based practice, and communication. A goal in graduate medical education should be to assist residents to expand their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. These attributes are required in the teaching and practice of EBM. In this aspect, case studies provide a platform for developing clinical skills and problem-based learning methods. Hence, graduate medical education programs should encourage, assist, and support residents in the publication of clinical case studies; and clinical teachers should encourage graduate students to publish case reports during their graduate medical education.

Keywords: clinical, case reports, case studies, evidence-based medicine, graduate medical education, resident training, residency, clinical skills, publishing, clinical practice

Introduction

Case reports and case series or case study research are descriptive studies to present patients in their natural clinical setting. Case reports, which generally consist of three or fewer patients, are prepared to illustrate features in the practice of medicine and potentially create new research questions that may contribute to the acquisition of additional knowledge in the literature. Case studies involve multiple patients; they are a qualitative research method and include in-depth analyses or experiential inquiries of a person or group in their real-world setting. Case study research focuses on the contextual analysis of several events or conditions and their relationships [ 1 ]. In addition to their teaching value for students and graduate medical education programs, case reports provide a starting point for novice investigators, which may prepare and encourage them to seek more contextual writing experiences for future research investigation. It may also provide senior physicians with clues about emerging epidemics or a recognition of previously unrecognized syndromes. Limitations primarily involve the lack of generalizability and implications in clinical practice, which are factors extraneous to the learning model (Table 1 ).

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of case reports and case studies.

There is disagreement among physicians on the value of case reports in the medical literature and in evidence-based medicine (EBM) [ 2 ]. EBM aims to optimize decision-making by using evidence from well-conducted research. Therefore, not all data has the same value as the evidence. The pyramid (Figure 1 ) classifies publications based on their study outlines and according to the power of evidence they provide [ 2 - 3 ]. In the classical pyramid represented below, systematic reviews and a meta-analysis are expected to provide the strongest evidence. However, a recent modification of the pyramid was suggested by Murad et al. [ 2 ]: the meta-analysis and systematic reviews are removed from the pyramid and are suggested to be a lens through which evidence is viewed (Figure 1 ).

Figure 1. Revised pyramid for study designs and their place in evidence-based medicine.

Modified from Murad et al. [ 2 ]

Because case reports do not rank highly in the hierarchy of evidence and are not frequently cited, as they describe the clinical circumstances of single patients, they are seldom published by high-impact medical journals. However, case reports are proposed to have significant educational value because they advance medical knowledge and constitute evidence for EBM. In addition, well-developed publication resources can be difficult to find, especially for medical residents; those that do exist vary in quality and may not be suitable for the aim and scope of the journals. Over the last several years, a number (approximately 160) of new peer-reviewed journals that focus on publishing case reports have emerged. These are mostly open-access journals with considerably high acceptance rates [ 4 ]. Packer et al. reported a 6% publication rate for case reports [ 5 ]; however, they did not disclose the number of papers submitted but rejected and neither did they state whether any of the reported cases were submitted to open-access journals.

The development of open-access journals has created a new venue for students and faculty to publish. In contrast to subscription-based and peer-reviewed e-journals, many of these new case report journals are not adequately reviewed and, instead, have a questionably high acceptance rate [ 4 ]. There, however, remains the issue of the fee-based publication of case reports in open-access journals without proper peer reviews, which increases the burden of scientific literature. Trainees should be made aware of the potential for academic dilution, particularly with some open-access publishers. While case reports with high-quality peer reviews are associated with a relatively low acceptance rate, this rigorous process introduces trainees to the experience and expectations of peer reviews and addresses other issues or flaws not considered prior to submission. We believe that these are important skills that should be emphasized and experienced during training, and authors should seek these journals for the submission of their manuscripts.

Importance of Case Reports and Case Series in Graduate Medical Education

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has challenged faculties to adapt teaching methodologies to accommodate the different learning modalities of the next generation of physicians. As evidenced by its implementation by ACGME, competency-based medical education is rapidly gaining international acceptance, moving from classic didactic lectures to self-directed learning opportunities with experiential learning aids in the development of critical cognitive and scholarly skills. As graduate medical educators, we are in agreement with Packer et al. about the value of the educational benefits resulting from student-generated case reports [ 5 ]. Case study assignments help residents develop a variety of key skills, as previously described. EBM is an eventual decision-making process for executing the most appropriate treatment approach by using the tools that are compatible with the national health policy, medical evidence, and the personal factors of physician and patient (Figure 2 ). The practice of identifying and developing a case study creates a learning opportunity for listening skills and appreciation for the patient’s narrative as well as for developing critical learning and thinking skills that are directly applicable to the practice of EBM. This critically important process simultaneously enhances both the medical and the humanistic importance of physician-patient interaction. In addition, case-based learning is an active learner-centered approach for medical students and residents. It serves as a curricular context, which can promote the retention of information and evidence-based thinking.

Figure 2. Factors involved in decision making with the context of evidence-based medicine.

Modified from Toklu et al. 2015 [ 3 ]

The value of case studies in the medical literature is controversial among physicians. Despite their limitations, clinical case reports and case series are beneficial tools in graduate medical education. The preparation and presentation of case studies can help students and residents acquire and apply clinical competencies in the areas of medical knowledge, practice-based learning, systems-based practice, professionalism, and communication. In this aspect, case studies provide a tool for developing clinical skills through problem-based learning methods. As a result, journals should encourage the publication of clinical case studies from graduate medical education programs through a commonly applied peer-review process, and clinical teachers should promote medical residents to publish case reports during their graduate medical education.

The content published in Cureus is the result of clinical experience and/or research by independent individuals or organizations. Cureus is not responsible for the scientific accuracy or reliability of data or conclusions published herein. All content published within Cureus is intended only for educational, research and reference purposes. Additionally, articles published within Cureus should not be deemed a suitable substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional. Do not disregard or avoid professional medical advice due to content published within Cureus.

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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