1. Think about the structure of your case summary. How will you organise content to create a logical flow of information that makes sense to the reader, and demonstrate your understanding? Answer – Using paragraphs effectively is the answer. A recommended example is below but others may also work.
first paragraph – brief summary of findings and symptoms with a statement of the most likely diagnosis.
second paragraph – provide a background to the relevant physiological system or homeostatic mechanism
next paragraph(s) – develop information on the disease; causes, risk factors etc and provide an explanation of the symptoms and test results reported (this is the key part of the case report). Explain rationale (reason) for drugs used, tests carried out, and / or drug effects or progression of the condition.
next paragraph – treatment options (if word count permits) and these are relevant to the case.
2. Avoid repetition – if you have already discussed some aspect of the case you don’t need to go over it a second time. Also avoid a lengthy re-statement of the case you have been given (since repeating the case notes doesn’t demonstrate you have learnt about, or understand, the physiology).
3. Try to organise similar/related information into paragraphs. You will have to use skill in selecting what information to include and what to exclude since there isn’t space for everything
4. Define abbreviations on first use (e.g. anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)
5. Use scientific English rather than a conversational tone. Avoid don’t, isn’t, can’t etc
6. Try to include detail even though space is limited (Which hormone? Where is it produced? What organ does it act on and how does it do this? What are the consequences?)
7. Describe and explain the relevant physiological processes to demonstrate your understanding / knowledge.
8. Carefully proof-read your work (grammar, spelling & sense). It is a good idea to write it then take a break and come back to it and see if what you have written is clear.
9. Use the text book as your main source and supplement with additional peer-reviewed literature.
10. Use in-text Harvard referencing correctly (> 3 references).
11. Citing a recent development in the field that is relevant to the case is a good way to get extra credit.
12. Keep to the word count (400 ± 10%). In-text references are included in the word count but the bibliography (reference list) is not.
