The Value of the Case Report

Dear Readers:

Just about every week we are asked if Wounds publishes case reports. There are really 2 types of case reports that individuals are asking about: one is a simple, straightforward case report and the other is a case report as a vehicle for a review of the literature. The answer to the initial question is yes, we publish case reports; in fact, we cover both types of articles, however, we have different expectations per the type of case report submitted for consideration.

While we may not consider case reports as scientific evidence, they do qualify as scientific communication. The discussion of clinical case experience and the sharing of knowledge moves the care of patients forward. At times it is simply the clinician looking to see if this has ever been done before—or if it has been done in this particular way—which prompts us to turn to the case report. The honest discussions of outcomes in a case report, or small case series, may help a distant clinician to render care for a rare problem in a unique way. A case report represents a way to approach a clinical problem; it does not offer or support the best way. However, the case report may offer a nidus to initiate a prospective study. 

Importantly, the case report needs to be several things to make it relevant, it needs to present a unique problem or a unique solution. In addition, it needs to be concise, and it is best if the solution has not been previously described. These manuscripts should include a statement that the English language literature has been searched, include the search words used, and state that no other similar cases have been uncovered. If there are other similar cases or problems or solutions are encountered, this can lead to the expanded case report that becomes a review of the literature.

Another reason that we choose to accept appropriate case reports is that they are a very good entry vehicle for novice authors. The young clinician often finds case reports an easier first attempt at publication. Personally, my first two publications were case reports with reviews of the literature, which I wrote as a third-year surgical resident. Also, case reports are one of two article types in which there is less concern over having a single author (the other being Letters to the Editor); although for case reports with a review of the literature, we recommend there be at least 2 authors to limit bias.

With Wounds being a digital-only publication going forward, readers can more easily locate case reports online. Authors of case reports will be asked to use titles that are very descriptive of the problem and the solution being presented. The purpose of using a more specific title is to make searching for topics easier on the Journal website as well as in all indexing databases. In addition, while this is not a call for the submission of case reports, one must recognize that without the confines and costs of paper printing, there is more room for peer-reviewed case reports. However, the volume will be considered by uniqueness, value to readers, and editorial capacity.

So, in closing case reports can be educational, thought provoking, supportive and simply helpful to the Journal’s readers, wound care providers, and novice authors.

John C. Lantis II, MD, FACS

Editor-in-Chief, Wounds

woundseditor@hmpglobal.com