TY - JOUR
T1 - Practical guide to understanding the value of case reports
AU - Neely, J. Gail
AU - Karni, Ron J.
AU - Nussenbaum, Brian
AU - Paniello, Randal C.
AU - Fraley, Patrick L.
AU - Wang, Eric W.
AU - Rich, Jason T.
PY - 2008/3
Y1 - 2008/3
N2 - Case reports have been vital to the advancement of medicine, providing a mechanism for scholarly education and for sharing new discovery and rare observations. However, journals are increasingly reluctant to publish this type of manuscript. Additionally, case reports and limited case series are infrequently cited, potentially interfering with the impact factor of a journal. The increasing emphasis on evidence-based medicine may have artificially decreased the value of case reports. This article describes the value of case reports to medicine, citing 3 examples that have significantly improved the practice of medicine. We also provide criteria for effective reporting, which include the elements of both surprise and closure. In summary, we offer support for the contention that case reports are fundamental to the scholarly practice of medicine and enhance the intent of a quality medical journal.
AB - Case reports have been vital to the advancement of medicine, providing a mechanism for scholarly education and for sharing new discovery and rare observations. However, journals are increasingly reluctant to publish this type of manuscript. Additionally, case reports and limited case series are infrequently cited, potentially interfering with the impact factor of a journal. The increasing emphasis on evidence-based medicine may have artificially decreased the value of case reports. This article describes the value of case reports to medicine, citing 3 examples that have significantly improved the practice of medicine. We also provide criteria for effective reporting, which include the elements of both surprise and closure. In summary, we offer support for the contention that case reports are fundamental to the scholarly practice of medicine and enhance the intent of a quality medical journal.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=39649085122&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.otohns.2007.12.014
DO - 10.1016/j.otohns.2007.12.014
M3 - Article
C2 - 18312868
AN - SCOPUS:39649085122
SN - 0194-5998
VL - 138
SP - 261
EP - 264
JO - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
JF - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
IS - 3
ER -