Distinguishing case study as a research method from case reports as a publication type

J Med Libr Assoc. 2019 Jan;107(1):1-5. doi: 10.5195/jmla.2019.615. Epub 2019 Jan 1.

Abstract

The purpose of this editorial is to distinguish between case reports and case studies. In health, case reports are familiar ways of sharing events or efforts of intervening with single patients with previously unreported features. As a qualitative methodology, case study research encompasses a great deal more complexity than a typical case report and often incorporates multiple streams of data combined in creative ways. The depth and richness of case study description helps readers understand the case and whether findings might be applicable beyond that setting.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research / methods*
  • Humans
  • Organizational Case Studies / standards*
  • Publications / standards*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Research Design / standards*