2013 CARE Checklist  

1. Title – The diagnosis or intervention of primary focus followed by the words “case report”.

2. Key Words – 2 to 5 key words that identify diagnoses or interventions in this case report (including "case report").

3. Abstract – (structured or unstructured)

   • Introduction – What is unique about this case and what does it add to the scientific literature?

   • The patient’s main concerns and important clinical findings.

   • The primary diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes.

   • Conclusion – What are one or more “take-away” lessons from this case report?

4. Introduction – Briefly summarizes why this case is unique and may include medical literature references.

5. Patient Information

   • De-identified patient specific information.

   • Primary concerns and symptoms of the patient.

   • Medical, family, and psychosocial history including relevant genetic information.

   • Relevant past interventions and their outcomes.

6. Clinical Findings – Describe significant physical examination (PE) and important clinical findings.

7. Timeline – Historical and current information from this episode of care organized as a timeline (figure or table).

8. Diagnostic Assessment

   • Diagnostic methods (PE, laboratory testing, imaging, surveys).

   • Diagnostic challenges.

   • Diagnosis (including other diagnoses considered).

   • Prognostic characteristics when applicable.

9. Therapeutic Intervention

   • Types of therapeutic intervention (pharmacologic, surgical, preventive).

   • Administration of therapeutic intervention (dosage, strength, duration).

   • Changes in therapeutic interventions with explanations.

10. Follow-up and Outcomes

    • Clinician- and patient-assessed outcomes if available.

    • Important follow-up diagnostic and other test results.

    • Intervention adherence and tolerability. (How was this assessed?)

    • Adverse and unanticipated events.

11. Discussion

    • Strengths and limitations in your approach to this case.

    • Discussion of the relevant medical literature.

    • The rationale for your conclusions.

    • The primary “take-away” lessons from this case report (without references) in a one paragraph conclusion.

12. Patient Perspective – The patient should share their perspective on the treatment(s) they received.

13. Informed Consent – The patient should give informed consent. (Provide if requested.)

The CARE checklist (and writing outline) have been translated into multiple languages. Visit SWIHM to access these translations.