Getting Published: How to Write Case Series and Case Reports

Abstract

Program Description: This miniseminar, taught by editors, staff, and the publisher of the journal Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, will help attendees maximize their success in getting case reports and case series published. Tips and pointers will be presented on writing and organizing the manuscript, dealing with ethics review and patient privacy concerns, using the right terminology for the right message, and avoiding pitfalls that might delay or prevent manuscript acceptance. The best case reports describe a unique or nearly unique case, an important variation (outlier case), unexpected outcome or adverse event, or unexpected association between diseases or disorders. Manuscripts are most likely to be accepted if they state why the case is worth reading, describe the case and all relevant data, discuss why the case is unique or unexpected, provide alternative explanations for case features, and offer clinical implications. The best case series include a consecutive well-defined sample of subjects, report interventions with enough detail for reproduction, account for all patients initially assessed and enrolled, and provide adequate follow-up with descriptions of dropouts and losses. Manuscripts are most likely to be accepted it they include statistical analysis and reach justifiable conclusions devoid of efficacy claims. The goal of the session is to help attendees publish meaningful and valid research that can help journal readers provide enhanced patient care. Time is allotted at the end of the session for audience questions to the expert panel.

Educational Objectives: 1) Learn strategies to maximize success in publishing case reports and case series. 2) Understand the role of ethics review and informed consent in observational research. 3) Avoid pitfalls that might delay or prevent acceptance of a manuscript for publication.