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  • Volume 21, Issue 1
  • What is a case study?
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  • Roberta Heale 1 ,
  • Alison Twycross 2
  • 1 School of Nursing , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Ontario , Canada
  • 2 School of Health and Social Care , London South Bank University , London , UK
  • Correspondence to Dr Roberta Heale, School of Nursing, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada; rheale{at}laurentian.ca

https://doi.org/10.1136/eb-2017-102845

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What is it?

Case study is a research methodology, typically seen in social and life sciences. There is no one definition of case study research. 1 However, very simply… ‘a case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units’. 1 A case study has also been described as an intensive, systematic investigation of a single individual, group, community or some other unit in which the researcher examines in-depth data relating to several variables. 2

Often there are several similar cases to consider such as educational or social service programmes that are delivered from a number of locations. Although similar, they are complex and have unique features. In these circumstances, the evaluation of several, similar cases will provide a better answer to a research question than if only one case is examined, hence the multiple-case study. Stake asserts that the cases are grouped and viewed as one entity, called the quintain . 6  ‘We study what is similar and different about the cases to understand the quintain better’. 6

The steps when using case study methodology are the same as for other types of research. 6 The first step is defining the single case or identifying a group of similar cases that can then be incorporated into a multiple-case study. A search to determine what is known about the case(s) is typically conducted. This may include a review of the literature, grey literature, media, reports and more, which serves to establish a basic understanding of the cases and informs the development of research questions. Data in case studies are often, but not exclusively, qualitative in nature. In multiple-case studies, analysis within cases and across cases is conducted. Themes arise from the analyses and assertions about the cases as a whole, or the quintain, emerge. 6

Benefits and limitations of case studies

If a researcher wants to study a specific phenomenon arising from a particular entity, then a single-case study is warranted and will allow for a in-depth understanding of the single phenomenon and, as discussed above, would involve collecting several different types of data. This is illustrated in example 1 below.

Using a multiple-case research study allows for a more in-depth understanding of the cases as a unit, through comparison of similarities and differences of the individual cases embedded within the quintain. Evidence arising from multiple-case studies is often stronger and more reliable than from single-case research. Multiple-case studies allow for more comprehensive exploration of research questions and theory development. 6

Despite the advantages of case studies, there are limitations. The sheer volume of data is difficult to organise and data analysis and integration strategies need to be carefully thought through. There is also sometimes a temptation to veer away from the research focus. 2 Reporting of findings from multiple-case research studies is also challenging at times, 1 particularly in relation to the word limits for some journal papers.

Examples of case studies

Example 1: nurses’ paediatric pain management practices.

One of the authors of this paper (AT) has used a case study approach to explore nurses’ paediatric pain management practices. This involved collecting several datasets:

Observational data to gain a picture about actual pain management practices.

Questionnaire data about nurses’ knowledge about paediatric pain management practices and how well they felt they managed pain in children.

Questionnaire data about how critical nurses perceived pain management tasks to be.

These datasets were analysed separately and then compared 7–9 and demonstrated that nurses’ level of theoretical did not impact on the quality of their pain management practices. 7 Nor did individual nurse’s perceptions of how critical a task was effect the likelihood of them carrying out this task in practice. 8 There was also a difference in self-reported and observed practices 9 ; actual (observed) practices did not confirm to best practice guidelines, whereas self-reported practices tended to.

Example 2: quality of care for complex patients at Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLCs)

The other author of this paper (RH) has conducted a multiple-case study to determine the quality of care for patients with complex clinical presentations in NPLCs in Ontario, Canada. 10 Five NPLCs served as individual cases that, together, represented the quatrain. Three types of data were collected including:

Review of documentation related to the NPLC model (media, annual reports, research articles, grey literature and regulatory legislation).

Interviews with nurse practitioners (NPs) practising at the five NPLCs to determine their perceptions of the impact of the NPLC model on the quality of care provided to patients with multimorbidity.

Chart audits conducted at the five NPLCs to determine the extent to which evidence-based guidelines were followed for patients with diabetes and at least one other chronic condition.

The three sources of data collected from the five NPLCs were analysed and themes arose related to the quality of care for complex patients at NPLCs. The multiple-case study confirmed that nurse practitioners are the primary care providers at the NPLCs, and this positively impacts the quality of care for patients with multimorbidity. Healthcare policy, such as lack of an increase in salary for NPs for 10 years, has resulted in issues in recruitment and retention of NPs at NPLCs. This, along with insufficient resources in the communities where NPLCs are located and high patient vulnerability at NPLCs, have a negative impact on the quality of care. 10

These examples illustrate how collecting data about a single case or multiple cases helps us to better understand the phenomenon in question. Case study methodology serves to provide a framework for evaluation and analysis of complex issues. It shines a light on the holistic nature of nursing practice and offers a perspective that informs improved patient care.

  • Gustafsson J
  • Calanzaro M
  • Sandelowski M

Competing interests None declared.

Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

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writing a case study nursing

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Nursing Case Study

You now know all the key sections you need to include in a nursing case study. You also know what exactly you need to do in each section. It is now time to know how exactly to write a nursing case study. The process detailed below should be easy to follow because you now know the typical structure of nursing case studies.

When given a nursing case study assignment, the first thing you need to do is to read. You need to read two pieces of information slowly and carefully.

First, you need to read the prompt itself slowly and carefully. This is important because the prompt will have important bits of information that you need to know, including the style, the format, the word count, and the number of references needed. All these bits of information are important to know to ensure what you are writing is the right thing.

Second, you need to read the patient scenario slowly and carefully. You should do this to understand it clearly so that you do not make any mistakes in your analysis.

  • Create a rough outline

Failure to plan is a plan to fail. So do not fail to plan. In other words, do not fail to create an outline for your case study analysis. Use the template provided in this essay to create a rough outline for your nursing case study analysis.

Make sure your outline is as detailed as it can be at this stage. You can do light research to achieve this aim. However, this is not exactly necessary because this is just a rough outline.

  • Conduct thorough research

After creating a rough outline, you should conduct thorough research. Your research should especially focus on providing a credible and evidence-based nursing assessment on the patient problem(s). The evidence you should use should only be from recent nursing or medical literature.

You will also need to conduct thorough research to come up with an effective intervention or nursing care plan. So when researching the patient’s problem and its diagnosis, you should also research the most suitable intervention or you should do it right after.

When conducting research, you should always note down your sources. So for every piece of information you find and what to use, you should have its reference.

After conducting thorough research, you should enhance your rough outline using the new pieces of information you have discovered. Make sure it is as comprehensive as possible.

  • Write your nursing case study

At this stage, you simply need to follow your comprehensive outline to write your case study analysis. If you created a good outline, you should find it very easy to write your nursing case study analysis.

If you did not, you will find it difficult to write your nursing case study. Whenever you are stuck when writing your case study analysis paper, you should re-read the part of this article where we explain what to include in every section of your analysis. Doing so will help you know what exactly to write to continue with your essay. Writing a nursing case study analysis usually takes only a few hours.

  • Reference your case study

After writing your case study, make sure you add all in-text citations if you had not added them already. And when adding them, you should make sure you follow the style/format recommended in the assignment prompt (usually APA or Harvard style).

After adding in-text citations exactly where they need to be and in the right format, add all the references you have used in a references page. And you should add them correctly as per the rules of the style you were asked to use.

Do not forget to organize your references alphabetically after you are done creating your references page.

  • Thoroughly edit your case study

After STEP 5 above, you need to edit your case study. You should edit it slowly and carefully. Do this by proofreading it twice. Proofread it slowly each time to discover all the grammar, style, and punctuation errors. Remove all the errors you find.

After proofreading your essay twice, check it one more time to make sure every sentence is very easy to understand. This is what will transform your ordinary case study into an A-grade case study. Of course, it must also have all the standard sections expected in a case study.

Just to make sure your case study is absolutely perfect, check it one more time using a grammarly.com or a similar computer grammar checker. Doing this will help you catch and eliminate all the remaining errors in your work.

  • Submit your case study analysis

After you are done proofreading and editing your case study analysis, it will be 100% ready for submission. Just convert it into the format it is required in and submit it.

Published by laura

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Nursing Professors

7 steps to successful nursing case study writing.

A nursing case study is a detailed study of a patient that is encountered during a nurse’s daily practice. They are usually written by nurses in training as part of their coursework, but they can also be written by experienced nurses as a way of sharing best practice.

Case studies are an important part of the nursing curriculum as they provide students with a real-life insight into the complexities of patient care. They also allow nurses to reflect on their own practice and identify areas where they could make improvements.

When writing a nursing case study, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your tutor. This will ensure that your case study is relevant and meets the required academic standards. It is also important to be clear and concise in your writing, and to use evidence-based sources to support your claims.

If you are struggling to write a nursing case study, there are a number of resources that can help you. The following books are all recommended reading for anyone wanting to write a case study:

  • The Complete Guide to Case Study Research by Elaine M. Hubbell
  • Nursing Case Studies: A Guide to Understanding and Writing Them by Jennifer R. Gray
  • Writing Nursing Case Studies by Sally G. Reed

Once you have a good understanding of how to write a nursing case study, you will be able to produce high-quality studies that will be of benefit to both yourself and your patients.

Importance of nursing case study writing.

Nursing case studies are an important part of your nursing education. They provide you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Nursing case studies also allow you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The nursing case study should be a detailed and accurate account of the care that was provided to the patient. It should be used to evaluate the outcome of that care and to identify any areas where improvements can be made.

nursing case study writing

Steps when writing a nursing case study paper.

There are various steps you should keep in mind in order to help you write a successful nursing case study.

These important steps include:

  • Define the problem.
  • Gathering information.
  • Developing alternatives.
  • Analyzing the alternatives.
  • Selecting the best alternative.
  • Implementing the solution.
  • Evaluating the outcome.

Defining the Problem

When writing a nursing case study, it is important to first define the problem. The problem should be something that can be solved through nursing interventions. Once the problem is defined, the nursing case study can be written to discuss the interventions that were used to solve the problem.

Nursing case studies are a great way to learn about different nursing interventions and how they can be used to solve problems. By reading nursing case studies, nurses can learn about different diseases and conditions and how to treat them. Nursing case studies can also be used to teach other nurses about different interventions.

Gathering Information

When it comes to writing a nursing case study, the first and most important step is gathering information. This is where you will need to do your research and collect data from a variety of sources. Once you have all of the information you need, you can begin to write your case study.

It is crucial to gather information before starting to write your nursing case study. This ensures that you include all of the relevant information. This means including details about the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and treatment.

Developing Alternatives

Once you have all of the necessary information, you can begin developing alternatives for the patient’s treatment. This will involve looking at the different options and deciding which is best based on the specific case. You will need to consider the risks and benefits of each option before making a recommendation.

Once you have developed a few different options, you can then start writing the case study. This should include an overview of the patient’s history, their current condition, and the different treatment options that were considered. Be sure to explain why you ultimately recommended the chosen course of treatment.

Analyzing the Alternatives

When you are given a nursing case study to write, the first step is to read the case thoroughly. Make sure you understand the situation and the patient’s history. Once you have a good understanding of the case, you can start to analyze the alternatives.

There are usually three alternatives in a nursing case study: nursing intervention, medical intervention, and no intervention. You will need to evaluate each alternative and decide which is best for the patient.

Nursing intervention is usually the first choice because it is the least invasive and has the least risk. Medical intervention is usually the next choice because it is more invasive but has a higher chance of success. No intervention is usually the last choice because it means doing nothing and letting the patient’s condition worsen.

Once you have evaluated the alternatives, you can start to write your case study. Remember to include all of the important information, such as the patient’s history, the alternatives you considered, and your recommendation.

Selecting the Best Alternative

When you are presented with a nursing case study, the first thing you need to do is identify the problem. Once you have identified the problem, you need to gather information about the patient. This information will help you to develop a plan of care. Once you have developed a plan of care, you need to select the best alternative.

The best alternative is the one that will best meet the needs of the patient. When selecting the best alternative, you need to consider the patient’s preferences, the severity of the problem, the risks and benefits of each alternative, and the resources available.

Implementing the Solution

Once you have selected the best alternative, you need to implement the plan of care. After you have implemented the plan of care, you need to evaluate the patient’s response. If the patient’s condition improves, you need to continue the plan of care. If the patient’s condition does not improve, you need to reevaluate the plan of care and select a different alternative.

Evaluating the Outcome

A nursing case study is a detailed account of a patient’s medical history and treatment. It is used to evaluate the outcome of a patient’s care and to identify any areas where improvements can be made.

When writing a nursing case study, it is important to include a detailed description of the patient’s symptoms and medical history. The case study should also include a discussion of the treatment that was provided and the outcome of that treatment.

It is also important to discuss any areas where improvements could be made in the care that was provided. This could include changes to the treatment plan, changes to the way that the patient was monitored, or changes to the way that the patient’s symptoms were managed.

Conclusion.

Writing a successful nursing case study can be a challenging task. However, by following the steps provided in this blog that is, first defining the problem, gathering information, developing alternatives., analyzing the alternatives, selecting the best alternative, implementing the solution and evaluating the outcome. You will be able to write a top-notch nursing case study that meets your requirements.

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writing a case study nursing

Writing clinical articles: A step-by-step guide for nurses

Focus on your audience and narrow your topic. .

Editor’s note: Dissemination 101 is a series designed to help nurses share their expertise. To read other articles in the series, visit myamericannurse.com/category/dissemination-101 . 

  • Writing for publication allows you to contribute to nursing practice and help build nursing and healthcare knowledge.
  • Taking a step-by-step approach to writing a clinical article can help increase the chances for acceptance.

Are you thinking about writing a clinical article for publication? You can write for a general interest nursing journal that addresses a broad audience or a specialty journal that caters to nurses focused on caring for a specific patient population (for example, oncology or wound care). Most clinical articles published in general interest journals aim to help nurses understand the clinical presentation and progression of a disease or health issue and the subsequent care for a specific patient population.

To increase your chances of article acceptance for publication, take a step-by-step approach, as recommended by Mee.

Start with what you know

Write about what you’re most familiar with. Are you working on a hemodialysis unit and recently managed a patient who experienced a cardiovascular event? Then consider writing about managing cardiovascular emergencies in this patient population. Are you an endoscopy nurse who works with patients receiving endoscopic retrograde cho­lan­giopancreatography? Focus your article on the nursing implications of caring for patients after this test.

Strive to keep your topic focused so you can control manuscript length and ensure you deliver relevant content to the reader. For example, an article about caring for patients with pancreatic disorders is too broad. A narrower-focus article might cover cystic fibrosis, specifically on the impact of this condition on health-related quality of life. You can narrow the topic further by a concentrating on adolescents.

Solo vs. team writing

Are you going to write alone or with a team? Pros and cons exist for each. When writing alone, you may have better control of your timeline and content. However, compared to writing with a team, you might miss an opportunity to present a more diverse perspective of the topic. Another advantage of writing with a team includes having more access to resources, including a network of colleagues to interview. With a team, you can distribute the work among the authors and even have more proofreaders. However, delays may arise if one team member lags behind schedule or conflict emerges within the group. When writing with a team, establish authorship early in the process. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors developed a set of four criteria to establish authorship: authors should make substantial contributions to the manuscript, draft or revise it, have final approval of the published version, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Journal selection

Before selecting a journal, establish your intended audience. For example, are you writing for staff nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, or nurse midwives? Write for the selected audience, keeping in mind what they already know about the topic.

Now you can narrow your journal choices to those that are a good match for your topic and intended audience. You can expect immediate rejection if your manuscript doesn’t match a journal’s purpose and readership. Read at least three to four issues, and explore the table of contents for similar articles related to your topic. An article on a disease or condition similar to your topic doesn’t necessarily make yours ineligible for publication. Your topic may have a different focus.

After you select the target journal, carefully read the author guidelines, which usually can be found on the journal’s website. Follow directions for formatting the manuscript, and comply with page or word limitations. Consider querying the journal editor before submitting your manuscript (in fact, many journals require this step). Querying can help ensure your topic is appropriate for the journal. In addition, the editor may provide feedback to help you focus the manuscript accordingly before submission.

Article type

Elements of a clinical review article.

Clinical review articles typically include the following sections:

  • Etiology. The cause or origin of the disease.
  • Pathophysiology. The pathologic and physiologic processes associated with the disease.
  • Epidemiology. Discussion of disease frequency (number of new cases in a given population) or prevalence (number of cases present at a point in time).
  • Clinical presentation. What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
  • Diagnostics. This includes relevant tests and normal and abnormal laboratory values.
  • Treatment and interventions. Depending on the journal guidelines, this section might include medications, medical and nursing procedures, and key nursing considerations.
  • Patient education. This section focuses on key points for patient education. If your article discusses best practices in your setting, consider including a patient education handout that can be incorporated into any organization.
  • Nursing implications. Includes the nursing process from assessment to interventions and outcomes. Some journals want a separate section devoted to nursing implications.

Case studies 

Most nurses are familiar with case studies, first from learning how to write them in nursing school and then in clinical practice when reading progress notes. If you’re a novice writer, you’ll find reading case studies in journals to be helpful.

Published case studies can evolve from real case reports or be a simulated, fictional case. If you choose to write about a real case, obtain permission from the patient and your organization. Although the patient’s identity will be concealed in your article, you may run the risk of readers identifying the patient. Also, don’t choose a case that’s so rare that the reader may never encounter such a situation.

Case studies typically begin with the patient’s health history followed by a discussion of the common clinical presentation, pathophysiology, nursing process, psychosocial considerations, and treatments. Keep in mind that you’re using the case to teach readers, not merely reporting what you experienced.

How-to articles 

How-to articles focus on teaching a skill, procedure, or intervention. For example, caring for patients with a colostomy, proning patients with COVID-19 who haven’t been intubated, or attending to patients after cardiac catheterization. When writing a how-to article, focus on what’s most meaningful to nurses who provide direct care, such as patient and family education, and cite evidence-based recommendations.

Do your research

A fundamental motto for writing is “Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write.” In other words, do your research. When you read a wide range of literature on your topic, including relevant nursing models or theories, and access key databases, you’ll soon be ready to write. Organize your notes (paper or digital) and maintain a complete and accurate account of your references, which should be as current as possible.

Create an outline

Use an outline to organize your thoughts and help you stick to one main focus or purpose that’s appropriate for the intended audience. At this stage, you’ll also want to consider what information can be best covered in tables or figures rather than in text. For example, you can create a table that lists signs and symptoms in column one and related pathophysiology in column two. Such a table can effectively present a large amount of information that doesn’t need to be repeated in the text of the article.

Writing and editing

Knowing where to start can be daunting. Consider starting on the section you know best or one for which you have the most information to help build your confidence and spur development of other sections. Other writing tips that can enhance the chances your article will be accepted for publication and engage readers include the following:

  • Passive: The patient’s medications were reviewed by the nurse before discharge.
  • Active: The nurse reviewed the medications with the patient before discharge.
  • Cite relevant references. Support statistics and practice guidelines with appropriate recent references. Follow the journal’s author guidelines for number of references and style.

After completing your manuscript, let a day or two pass and then read it again and start editing. Note that your overall goal during editing is to make the manuscript concise and meaningful for the reader. Check that it aligns with the journal’s author guidelines and requirements. Ask colleagues (including an expert, novice, or someone who’s not familiar with your topic) to read your manuscript, and request their honest feedback. Review tables, figures, and other graphics to ensure they provide relevant information and that they adhere to the journal’s author guidelines. Consider including a box with key points, such as nursing implications.

Follow the journal’s article submission guidelines. Some journals request submission through an author portal that requires you to create an author account, while others prefer to receive submissions via email. Most journals require that you attach a cover letter, sign copyright release and conflict-of-interest forms, and submit information about all authors.

Advance nursing practice and science

When you publish, you contribute to nursing practice and help build nursing and healthcare knowledge by providing guidance for practitioners and future researchers. Regardless of the type of article, include implications for nursing practice and, when appropriate, education, policy, and research. Writing involves hard work, but it’s rewarding and a great way to build your credentials.

Rhoda Redulla is director of nursing excellence and Magnet Recognition at NewYork-Presbyterian in New York, New York, associate editor of Gastroenterology Nursing Journal, and author of Fast Facts for Making the Most of Your Career in Nursing . 

Eldh AC, Almost J, DeCorby-Watson K, et al Clinical interventions, implementation interventions, and the potential greyness in between – a discussion paper. BMC Health Serv Res. 2017;17(1):16. doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1958-5

International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Defining the role of authors and contributors.

Mee C. Writing the clinical article. In: Saver C ed. Anatomy of Writing for Publication for Nurses. 4th ed. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma; 2021.

Morton P, Ketefian S, Redman R. Writing the research report. In: Saver C, ed. Anatomy of Writing for Publication for Nurses. 4th ed. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma; 2021.

Oermann MH, Ingles TM. Writing manuscripts about quality improvement: Squire 2.0 and beyond. Health. April 30, 2019.

Roush K. What types of articles to write. Am J Nurs. 2017;117(5):68-71. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000516278.97098.02

2 Comments . Leave new

I could have used this when I was writing articles years ago. Excellent resource

Thank you for this helpful article. I believe that when we publish good articles, we help healthcare providers to give a high quality of care to patients. I encourage all knowledgeable healthcare to write and publish many articles in order to help others for the betterment of patients. Thank you

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Main Tips On How To Write a Case Study Analysis

NRS 430 Assignment Contemporary Nursing Practice

A nursing case study analysis is like an in-depth exploration. It acts as the lifeline connecting theoretical knowledge to its real-world implications, bridging the gap between understanding symptoms and improving the quality of patient care.

Why is a case study analysis so significant? Case studies are types of essays that breathe life into nursing principles, making them more than abstract concepts. They provide context, create connections, and highlight the real-world impact of nursing decisions. Furthermore, they foster empathy, allowing nursing professionals to perceive each patient as unique with distinctive healthcare needs. This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap for how to write a nursing case study analysis.

What is a Case Study Analysis in Nursing?

In the 5th century BC, the philosopher Lao-Tse (also Lao-tzu) wrote, “If you tell me, I will listen. If you show me, I will see. But if you let me experience, I will learn.” And so began one of the first active learning philosophies.

A nursing case study analysis is an immersive journey into a patient’s health scenario. It’s like a detective story, where the nurse or nursing student acts as the investigator, and the patient’s condition is the mystery waiting to be solved. Each patient’s story is unique and requires a thorough examination to extract useful insights. But what exactly does this process involve?

A nursing case study analysis begins with a comprehensive exploration of a patient’s health situation. This includes their health history, current symptoms, and previous treatments. This exploration phase involves collecting data from patient interviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. Each data point could be the key to better understanding the patient’s condition.

The next step is to diagnose the issues. This involves understanding the complexities of the patient’s condition—the root causes, contributing factors, and potential risks. The nurse then moves on to planning and implementing interventions. This might involve developing a care plan, suggesting lifestyle modifications, or coordinating with other healthcare professionals for specialized care. These interventions aim to address the diagnosed issues and improve the patient’s health outcomes.

The nurse then moves on to planning and implementing interventions. This might involve developing a care plan, suggesting lifestyle modifications, or coordinating with other healthcare professionals for specialized care. These interventions aim to address the diagnosed issues and improve the patient’s health outcomes.

What is the Purpose of a Case Analysis?

Why do nurses engage in the elaborate process of a case study analysis? What purposes does it serve, and how does it contribute to the broader nursing field?

  • Enhancing Patient Care: A nursing case study analysis aims to improve patient care. When a nurse begins analyzing a patient’s case, they are honing their ability to provide effective, personalized care.
  • Refining Critical Thinking Skills: A case analysis requires active engagement, thoughtful consideration, and deliberate analysis. Nurses must interpret data, make diagnoses, and plan interventions, all of which demand a high degree of cognitive ability.
  • Bridging Theory and Practice: A case study allows nurses to apply theoretical concepts to real-world contexts, demonstrating the practical implications of nursing principles. This deepens their understanding of these concepts and reinforces their learning.
  • Fostering Reflective Learning: As nurses evaluate their interventions’ outcomes, they reflect, assessing their actions and learning from their experiences. This cultivates an attitude of continuous learning and promotes personal and professional growth.

Difference Between a Nursing Research Paper and a Case Study

Here are the differences between these two important facets of nursing literature:

Research Paper

A nursing research paper explores a particular topic or concept in depth. Its purpose is to contribute new insights or validate or challenge existing theories. It seeks to add to the collective understanding of a topic and often aims to solve a larger problem or answer a complex question.

A research paper often employs a systematic and structured approach. This might involve a literature review, an experimental study, a survey, or a qualitative investigation, depending on the nature of the research topic. The methodology is often rigorous and has strict guidelines to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.

A research paper generally follows the IMRaD format—Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Each section has a specific role, contributing to the overall narrative of the paper.

A case study takes a single patient situation or a unique medical scenario and delves into it with microscopic attention. The primary aim is to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-life scenarios, enhancing understanding and application.

The case study method employs a more focused approach. It concentrates on a single instance or scenario, using interviews, observations, and medical records review to gain insights. Its strength lies in its detail and specificity.

A case study begins with an introduction of the patient or the situation, followed by a detailed account of the patient’s history, diagnosis, treatment, and the nurse’s role. The focus is on presenting a chronological and detailed narrative of the patient’s journey.

Types of Nursing Case Studies

Here are the five primary types of case studies:

  • Problem-Oriented Case Studies: These studies focus on a specific problem encountered in nursing practice. Whether it’s a challenging patient condition, a complex care scenario, or an organizational issue, problem-oriented case studies zero in on the problem. They detail the problem’s context, dissect its causes, and evaluate the solutions implemented.
  • Critical Case Studies: They delve into cases with significant implications for nursing practice. These could be landmark cases, rare medical conditions, or novel nursing interventions. A critical analysis case study aims to illuminate the unique aspects and derive valuable lessons. They often lead to advancements in nursing knowledge, influencing nursing practices and policies.
  • Historical Case Studies: As the name suggests, historical case studies delve into past nursing scenarios. They offer a retrospective analysis of a patient case, nursing intervention, or healthcare event. They allow for reflecting on past actions, evaluating their outcomes, and extracting lessons for future practice.
  • Illustrative Case Studies: Descriptive or illustrative case studies are designed to ‘illustrate’ or ‘describe’ a particular nursing situation or condition. These case studies provide a detailed narrative of the case, painting a vivid picture for the reader. They serve to familiarize the readers with the case’s intricacies, enhancing their understanding and empathy. They are useful for educating patients or the general public about specific health conditions or nursing procedures.
  • Collective Case Studies: Multiple case studies involve the analysis of more than one case. The goal is to derive insights from a collective analysis, recognizing patterns, differences, and similarities across the cases. This type of case study is especially useful for comparing different nursing approaches, understanding the variability in patient responses, or evaluating the impact of a particular nursing intervention across multiple scenarios.

6 Steps for Writing a Case Study Analysis

Writing a nursing case study analysis requires a systematic approach to ensure all necessary details are covered and accurately presented. The case study approach allows in-depth, multi-faceted explorations of complex issues in real-life settings. Here is a step-by-step guide to facilitate this process:

Preparation

Preparation means collecting, collating, and comprehending all available patient case information. First, take the patient’s medical history to understand the current health situation. It may include details about previous diagnoses, treatments, hospitalizations, allergies, and family history of diseases.

Check nursing assessments that were conducted. These assessments serve as a foundation for nursing care, offering vital clues about the patient’s health status at different times. Information about the patient’s vital signs, physical examination findings, lab results, and psychosocial assessments can help unravel the case’s complexity.

Review the treatment plans initiated to have insights into the healthcare team’s approach to managing the patient’s condition. Lastly, include the outcomes. What was the response to the treatments initiated? How did the patient’s condition evolve over time? Outcomes, both expected and unexpected, offer a reality check. They help understand the interventions’ effectiveness and provide opportunities for reflection and learning.

Introduction

Introducing your case study analysis is a gateway to the patient’s story, providing crucial initial details and laying the groundwork for in-depth exploration. Present a snapshot of the patient’s background that involves sharing key details, such as the patient’s age and gender, which can influence disease prevalence, presentation, and response to treatment.

Next, share why the patient sought medical care for a first clue to their health status. Was it a routine check-up that led to an unexpected discovery? Or perhaps the patient presented with specific symptoms, causing them concern? Then, outline the primary health concerns. What were the initial diagnoses or suspicions based on the assessments done? Were there any significant risks identified?

Finally, mention the challenges encountered during care, the strategies to address them, or the valuable lessons gleaned from the case. However, don’t give away too much – just enough to pique their interest and keep them reading.

Background Information

A key element of the background information is the patient’s medical history which sheds light on the patient’s health journey. Past medical diagnoses, treatments, lifestyle habits, and familial health patterns can explain the current health problem and guide future healthcare decisions.

The initial nursing assessments form an integral part of the background information. They include observations about the patient’s symptoms and vital signs and depict their health status at the point of care. Key details such as the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, pain level, and overall physical and mental state provide crucial baseline data against which progress can be measured.

Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or biopsies, offer objective insights into the patient’s condition. The results of these tests can confirm or rule out diagnoses, guide the choice of interventions, and help assess the effectiveness of treatments.

Lastly, highlight significant observations made during the care process. Did the patient’s condition improve or worsen over time? Were there any unexpected reactions or complications? How did the healthcare team respond? These observations offer a real-world view of the patient’s journey, providing an opportunity to reflect on the decisions made and the outcomes achieved.

Proposed Solutions

First, present the nursing interventions proposed to address the patient’s health concerns. Nursing interventions refer to nurses’ actions to improve patient outcomes, such as administering medication, providing health education, or coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.

Then, discuss the rationale behind each intervention. The rationale is the ‘why’ that justifies the ‘what.’ It explains why a particular intervention was chosen over others and how it is expected to contribute to the patient’s recovery or well-being.

Lastly, determine how each intervention was incorporated into the patient’s care plan. How was the medication administered? What teaching strategies were used for health education? How was care coordination achieved? These details help bring the care process to life, giving readers a peek into the realities of nursing practice.

Recommendations

Recommendations derive from carefully evaluating the patient’s journey, considering the outcomes observed, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned. These recommendations aim to refine and optimize care processes, ensuring that nursing practice evolves and improves continually.

One common type of recommendation involves suggesting alternative interventions. Despite the best efforts, not all interventions yield the desired outcomes. In such cases, it’s beneficial to explore other potential solutions. These alternatives, informed by the latest evidence and expert opinion, can provide fresh approaches to the problem, opening up new avenues for patient recovery.

Another type of recommendation focuses on enhancing the implementation of interventions. Sometimes, the choice of intervention is sound, but the execution may fall short. Here, the recommendations may address areas such as improving the timing or technique of intervention delivery, enhancing patient education and engagement, or strengthening coordination among the healthcare team.

The review begins with a concise summary of the case. It revisits the patient’s background, the identified health concerns, the nursing interventions implemented, the outcomes observed, and the recommendations proposed. This brief recounting of the case helps anchor the detailed analysis in the reader’s mind.

Following the summary, it’s time for reflection. Reflective essay writing encourages practitioners to learn from their experiences and continuously improve their practice. Discuss the lessons learned from the case, the insights gained, and the challenges faced. This reflective dialogue enriches the case study analysis, transforming it from a simple narrative to a springboard for professional development and growth.

Lastly, the review addresses the case’s broader implications for nursing practice. How does this case contribute to our understanding of patient care? What does it reveal about the application of nursing theory in real-world scenarios? How can the insights from this case inform future nursing practice? By exploring these questions, the review extends the relevance of the case beyond its specific context, connecting it to the larger discourse on nursing care.

Nursing Case Study Analysis Example

This fictitious case involves a patient named “John,” who presents with Type 2 Diabetes and related complications.

Introduction John, a 63-year-old male, presented to the clinic complaining of persistent fatigue, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. As a nurse practitioner, I evaluated John’s condition and formulated a care plan. This case study analysis will explore John’s health journey, his health issues, the interventions undertaken, and the lessons gleaned from his case. Background Information John was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes five years ago. His medical history reveals that he has struggled to maintain his blood glucose levels within the recommended range. Despite being prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents and advised lifestyle modifications, he found adhering to the recommended regimen challenging. A recent HbA1c test showed a level of 9.5%, indicating poorly controlled diabetes. Proposed Solutions Given John’s condition, the mainstay of his management involved rigorous blood glucose control. His existing medication regimen was reviewed and adjusted to improve glycemic control. Simultaneously, a comprehensive diabetes self-management education (DSME) program was designed to enhance John’s understanding of diabetes and empower him to manage his condition effectively. The DSME covered essential topics such as the nature of diabetes, the importance of regular monitoring and medication adherence, diet and exercise guidelines, and coping strategies for managing stress and preventing complications. Recommendations Despite best efforts, John’s struggle with diabetes control highlights the need for individualized and holistic care approaches in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. In retrospect, introducing a more intensive support system early on, including regular follow-ups and mental health support, might have helped John better manage his condition. This case underlines the importance of comprehensive patient education and the need for healthcare professionals to recognize and address the psychosocial factors that can impact chronic disease management. Review John’s case provides valuable insights into the challenges of managing chronic conditions like diabetes. It underscores the need for a holistic and personalized approach to patient care beyond medical interventions. The lessons from this case highlight the importance of ongoing patient education, the need for mental health support in chronic disease management, and the value of early and proactive interventions. I hope that the experiences and reflections from this case will inform and enrich nursing practice, especially in chronic disease management.

Final Thoughts on Case Study Analysis

Writing a nursing case study analysis demands a keen understanding of nursing concepts, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply theory to practice. But, with a structured approach and thorough preparation, it is a rewarding and educational process that enhances nursing practice, contributes to better patient outcomes, and facilitates lifelong learning.

If you’re a nursing student or professional seeking assistance with your own case study analysis, research summary, argumentative essay, or academic writing, look no further. Our dedicated professional writers are well-versed in nursing principles, theories, and practices, making them perfectly equipped to craft high-quality, insightful, and personalized nursing case study analyses.

Ready to experience the difference? Place your order today, and let us support your journey to academic excellence and professional development. Let’s craft a nursing case study analysis that earns you high grades and enriches your nursing practice.

FAQs on How To Write a Case Study Analysis

What is a case study analysis.

A case study analysis critically evaluates a specific instance or event, often focused on a person or a small group. It helps in applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

How do you structure a case study assignment?

A case study format has an introduction, background information, proposed solutions, recommendations, and a review.

What is an example of case analysis?

Case analysis examples could involve examining a patient’s journey through a specific health condition. It would involve analyzing the patient’s health history, symptoms, treatment, and response to the care provided. An in-depth review of all these elements helps to understand the situation better, gain insights, and improve future patient care.

What is the difference between a case study and a case analysis?

A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event to explore causation and find underlying principles. On the other hand, a case analysis often refers to examining and interpreting the data from the case study to formulate solutions or extract insights.

What are the stages of a case study?

A case study generally involves five stages: preparation, data collection, analysis, formulation of solutions, and essay conclusions or recommendations.

What is the purpose of a case study?

A case study aims to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not evident.

What are the qualities of a good case study?

A good case study is relevant, detailed, focused, provides a learning opportunity, and can generate useful results or insights contributing to the broader field of study.

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Part 1: What is it and why?

This video introduces the concept of the case study and identifies how case studies differ to other written assignments.

The most important thing in writing up a case study report is that first, second, and thirdly: It is about the patient, not the condition nor the treatment. Students often put the emphasis on the condition or the treatment because the question usually focuses on this. While you need to explore these things, you still have to bring it back to the patient, and keep the patient central to the whole assignment.


We can understand if busy medical professionals start to see their patients in terms of a condition to be fixed, or a procedure to be performed. But ideally, we should remember that a patient is a person with a complex array of needs and preferences. This means that a simple textbook answer is not always best for them.


In your career, you will need to negotiate adjustments and anticipate problems particular to the patient. It does not make sense to discuss a condition in isolation from the individual. Each patient has their own unique kaleidoscope of history, personality type, fears, medical challenges, needs during recovery, so forth and so on. You need to see their condition or their treatment overall, as part of the whole person. Writing a case study teaches you to do that, if you don’t explore the condition or treatment as part of a holistic system, you case study becomes theoretical, it becomes another essay.


Let’s compare the case study to the essays you might have already written. The case study in nursing explores a particular patient’s situation, while your essays will more likely have focused on disease, a treatment, a concept, or a system. A case study is very grounded in the real and the now, even if the patient is a hypothetical invention. It still provides some fairly authentic experience with dealing with an individual patient.


Essays, on the other hand, tend to be literature-based. Of course, you need to do a lot of research and reading for your case study too, but the difference is for a case study you must always view and evaluate the information in the context of your patient. So in a case study, you need to show that you can find and apply information to you patient. For an essay you need to look at the information itself, pull it apart and evaluate it for its own sake.

So even if the question looks like an essay, don’t be distracted. There is still an expectation to relate this to the patient. It is possible to explore the content and theory in a generalised way throughout the assignment, but the beginning of the assignment (and the beginning of each paragraph, in fact) should foreground you're patient and their relationship to this theory.

Part 2: Research and writing

This video provides tips on how to research and structure paragraphs in order to keep a patient centred emphasis in the writing.

An essay, as opposed to a case study, usually has an question or a thesis which defines the boundaries of what you research, You aim to keep it within those parameters. and you delve as deeply as you can into the material. It loses focus if you include stuff outside of the topic. 


With a case study, however, your focus is the patient so you need to cast your net widely and generously at first to find something that is relevant to them. And then when you find something relevant, you need to research deeply. So, doing a good case study report involves a lot more reading than you might think. You’ll have to research both generally and deeply.

There can be a lot of research, and fairly unguided research involved in a case study. Don’t assume it’s like a reading comprehension exercise, the problems are not always clearly defined and the solutions have not necessarily been covered in lectures. Think of your case study as a mystery puzzle with a few clues scattered through it. 


In reality, patients do not arrive with instructions, so it’s up to the professional to notice that it is obvious and to think outside of the box. It is up to you to anticipate problems for the patient, it is up to you to follow through with the threads of any clues, and to see if they offer any valuable information, and these may only be hinted at indirectly. With years of nursing experience, the clues and danger signs get easier to spot, but it is very challenging for a beginner if you don’t know what to look for, and that is why the broad reading is important. 


So, every piece of information about your patient is valuable. When the information is given in the assignment, the facts are not random facts, they have usually been included for a reason, so use them and use them as much as you can. You may, on the other hand, have been told very little in the assignment and be expected to elicit the information yourself from the patient, through a blog, or a question-and-answer session. Asking for more details about their own condition just gives you more details about their condition, and unless you have some reasoning in mind for asking about that, more details per se is usually not that very helpful. 


Instead, ask about things that may affect the treatment or recovery; ask about things that may complicate matters. Smoking, relevant illnesses, lack of family support, strenuous lifestyles or jobs are all factors that may generate important decisions about how the patient is treated or cared for. The secret to keeping it about the patient is to keep them foremost into the discussion. You do this by making them the subject of each paragraph, and you do this by making them feature in the topic sentence: at the beginning and, if possible, a summary sentence at the end. 


In the middle of a paragraph, you have more flexibility to talk about the procedure or the condition in a more general way. But, at the end of the day, you need to remind us of how this is important for your patient. If you don’t, your writing becomes an essay rather than a case study. And if you feel like you’re being asked to research and to discuss material that is not directly relevant to your patient, you can make it relevant by at least explaining why it is not relevant. Remember, everything you write about should be in relation to your patient. 


So remember, it is all about the patient, keep everything relevant to the patient; keep the patient in mind throughout the research and the writing. Explore and discuss what the question requires, but theory for the sake of theory should be avoided. Your mission is to find the best solutions available for your patient, and develop the best understanding that you can of your patient. 


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Writing Tips

A comprehensive nursing case study writing guide.

author

Aug. 4, 2023 • 7 min read

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Nursing Case Study Writing Step-By-Step Guide

Nursing case studies play a vital role in the education and training of aspiring nurses in the USA, UK, UAE, and Canada. These real-life scenarios provide students with a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to creating effective and insightful nursing case studies that meet the academic standards of these countries.

1. Choosing a Relevant Case

The foundation of a successful nursing case study is the selection of an appropriate case. Look for scenarios that align with your course's learning objectives and reflect the wide range of healthcare challenges that nurses may face. Select cases involving ethical quandaries, complex patient interactions, or situations requiring interdisciplinary collaboration.

2. Gathering Information

Thorough research is key to crafting a detailed and accurate nursing case study. Collect data from reputable sources such as medical journals, textbooks, and evidence-based practice guidelines. Ensure that the patient's medical history, current condition, and relevant clinical data are well-documented. Protect patient confidentiality by de-identifying information.

3. Setting the Stage

Introduce the case by providing basic details on the patient, the healthcare setting, and any other relevant information. Describe the patient's demographics, medical history, current symptoms, and reason for seeking medical help. This establishes the context for readers to comprehend the situation and its significance.

4. Clinical Assessment

Detail the nursing assessment process, including physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and the collection of subjective and objective data. Highlight the nurse's role in observing, interviewing, and evaluating the patient's condition. Discuss the data collected and its implications for the patient's care.

5. Diagnosis and Planning

Based on the assessment, outline the nursing diagnoses and collaborative problems. Clearly explain the rationale behind each diagnosis and present a well-reasoned plan of care. Discuss short-term and long-term goals, potential interventions, and the expected outcomes of nursing interventions.

6. Implementation and Evaluation

Describe how the nursing care plan was executed and the interventions that were implemented. Include details about the nurse's interactions with the patient, families, and other healthcare team members. Evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions, discussing any changes in the patient's condition, responses to treatment, and unexpected challenges.

7. Reflection and Learning

Encourage critical thinking by incorporating a reflection section. Invite students to analyze the case, consider alternative approaches, and reflect on what they have learned from the experience. Discuss the ethical, cultural, and emotional aspects of the case, promoting a holistic understanding of patient care.

8. References and Citations

Maintain academic integrity by properly citing all sources used in your case study. Follow the appropriate citation style (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago) as required by your institution.

Writing nursing case studies is an essential skill for nursing students in the USA, UK, and Canada. Through these case studies, students can bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing them for the complex and dynamic healthcare environments they will encounter in their careers. By carefully selecting cases, conducting thorough research, and presenting well-structured and reflective analyses, nursing students can create case studies that not only meet academic standards but also contribute to their growth as competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Our platform has been giving quality services to our students from the very beginning, all thanks to our highly-trained and professional Nursing case study helpers, who complete every task with utmost sincerity and dedication by applying all their knowledge to your projects so that you can raise your head confidently while presenting in front of your class. TutorGenix has always been ranked as the Best Nursing Case Study help in the USA, the UK, Canada, and the UAE. Our Nursing project writers will complete your academic reports, essays, homework, and whatnot, so just order us and we will help with everything we’ve got. You will get instant solutions for nursing homeworks or any other subject homework you need help with, as we have 24/7 available tutors.

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Reference Point Software

How to Write a Case Study Paper for Nursing

A well-written case study paper for a nursing program requires some planning and consideration. All too often, students begin writing before they complete appropriate, preliminary steps. Ideally, before you start a paper, you should already have determined the focus and format of it. You will then follow this up with a fact-gathering step in which you will gather and collate the content of your paper. Finally, there is the construction/execution step in which you will write the paper in a standard format (such as the APA style) and edit it.

A nursing case study paper contains several sections that fall into three categories:

1. The status of the patient

  • Demographic data
  • Medical History
  • Current diagnosis and treatment

2. The nursing assessment of the patient

  • Vital signs and test results
  • Nursing observations (i.e., range of motion, mental state)

3. Current Care Plan and Recommendations

  • Details of the nursing care plan (including nursing goals and interventions)
  • Evaluation of the current care plan
  • Recommendations for changes in the current care plan

Patient Status

The first portion of the case study paper will talk about the patient — who they are, why they are being included in the study, their demographic data (i.e., age, race), the reason(s) they sought medical attention and the subsequent diagnosis. It will also discuss the role that nursing plays in the care of this patient.

Next, thoroughly discuss any disease process. Make sure you outline causes, symptoms, observations, and how preferred treatments can affect nursing care. Also, describe the history and progression of the disease. Some important questions for you to answer are: 1) What were the first indications that there was something wrong, and 2) What symptoms convinced the patient to seek help?

Nursing Assessment

When you are discussing the nursing assessment of the patient, describe the patientΓÇÖs problems in terms of nursing diagnoses. Be specific as to why you have identified a particular diagnosis. For example, is frequent urination causing an alteration in the patientΓÇÖs sleep patterns? The nursing diagnoses you identify in your assessment will help form the nursing care plan.

Current Care Plan and Recommendations for Improvement

Describe the nursing care plan and goals, and explain how the nursing care plan improves the quality of the patientΓÇÖs life. What positive changes does the nursing care plan hope to achieve in the patientΓÇÖs life? How will the care plan be executed? Who will be responsible for the delivery of the care plan? What measurable goals will they track to determine the success of the plan?

The final discussion should be your personal recommendations. Based on the current status of the patient, the diagnosis, prognosis, and the nursing care plan, what other actions do you recommend can be taken to improve the patientΓÇÖs chances of recovery? You must support your recommendations with authoritative sources and cite appropriately per APA style guidelines.

Creating a well-written nursing case study paper doesnΓÇÖt need to be a grueling challenge. It can be gratifying, and itΓÇÖs good practice for assessing patients while out in the field, too. Keep in mind that your instructor will not only grade you on the quality of the content of your paper but by how you apply the APA style, as well. If you find that you are spending too much time formatting your paper, consider using formatting software as a helpful tool to ensure accuracy, so you donΓÇÖt lose points on a well-written paper because of some formatting errors.

For more information about APA or MLA formats, contact us today.

David Plaut

David Plaut is the founder of Reference Point Software (RPS). RPS offers a complete suite of easy-to-use formatting template products featuring MLA and APA style templates, freeing up time to focus on substance while ensuring formatting accuracy. 

Reference Point Software is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA) or with the Modern Language Association (MLA).

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writing a case study nursing

How to write a Nursing Case Study Analysis Paper

writing a case study nursing

Writing a nursing case study is not something most nursing students look forward to. This is because it is a somewhat difficult process that is often overwhelming for nursing students. Nevertheless, by reading this guide prepared by our best nursing students, you should be able to easily and quickly write a nursing case study that can get you an excellent grade.

How different is this guide from similar guides all over the internet? Very different!

This guide provides all the pieces of information that one would need to write an A-grade nursing case study. These include the format for a nursing case study, a step-by-step guide on how to write a nursing case study, and all the important tips to follow when writing a nursing case study.

This comprehensive guide was developed by the top nursing essay writers at NurseMyGrade, so you can trust that the information herein is a gem that will catapult your grades to the next level. Expect updates as we unravel further information about writing a nursing case study.

Now that you know you’ve discovered a gold mine, let’s get right into it.

What Is a Nursing Case Study?

A nursing case study is a real or imagined patient scenario designed to test the knowledge and skills of student nurses. Nursing case study assignments usually focus on testing knowledge and skills in areas of nursing study related to daily nursing practice.

As a nursing student, you must expect a nursing case study assignment at some point in college. The fact that you are reading this post means that point is now.

While there is no standard structure for writing a nursing case study assignment, there are some things or elements that must be present in your nursing assignment for your professor to consider it complete.

In the next section, you will discover these things that your instructor n expects in your nursing case study analysis.

The Nursing Case Study Template

  • • Title page
  • • Introduction
  • • Case presentation (Patient info, history and medical condition)
  • • Diagnosis/Nursing assessment
  • • Intervention/Nursing care plan
  • • Discussion and recommendations
  • • Conclusion
  • • References

The Structure of a Nursing Case Study Analysis

You now know what nursing professors expect in a nursing case study analysis. In this section, we will explain what exactly to include in each section of your nursing case study analysis to make it an excellent one.

1. Title page

The title page is important in all types of academic writing. You must include it when writing your nursing case study analysis or any other type of essay or paper. And you must include it in the format recommended by your college.

If your college has no specific title page format, use the title page format of the style requested in the assignment prompt. In nursing college, virtually all assignments are supposed to be written either in Harvard or APA format.

So, check your assignment prompt and create your title page correctly. The typical title page should include the topic of your paper, your name, the name of your professor, the course name, the date you are submitting the paper, and the name of your college.

2. Abstract

Most nursing professors require you to include an abstract in your nursing case study analysis. And even when you are not specifically required to write one, it is good to do so. Of course, you should consult with your professor before doing so.

When writing an abstract for your paper, make sure it is about 200 words long. The abstract should include a brief summary of the case study including all the important information in the patient presentation such as the history, the age, and the current diagnosis.

The summary should also include the nursing assessment, the current interventions, and recommendations.

3. Introduction

After writing the title page and the abstract, start writing the introduction. The introduction of a nursing case study analysis must briefly include the patient presentation, the patient’s current diagnosis and medication, and the recommendations. It must also include a strong thesis statement that shows what the paper is all about.

You shouldn’t just write an introduction for the sake of it. If you do so, your introduction will be bland. You need to put in good effort when writing your introduction. The best way to do this is to use your introduction to show you understand the case study perfectly and that you are going to analyze it right.

You can always write your introduction last. Many students do this because they believe writing an introduction last makes it more precise and accurate.

4. Case presentation

After introducing your nursing case study analysis, you should present the case. It is usually very easy to present a case. You simply need to paraphrase the patient scenario. When doing this, do not forget to include all the important details in the patient scenario including the description of the patient, patient history, complaints, medical history, family history, and so on.

In short, everything important in the patient scenario should be in your case presentation. The only thing you need to avoid when writing your case presentation is copying the patient scenario or case study word-for-word.

5. Diagnosis

After case presentation, you should explain the diagnosis. In other words, you should explain the condition, disease, or medical situation highlighted in the case presentation. For example, if the patient is a heavy smoker and he has COPD, it is at this point that you explain how COPD is linked to heavy smoking.

And when explaining the condition, go deep into the pathophysiology. Focus specifically on the patient’s risk factors. Make sure you get your explanation from recent nursing literature. And do not forget to cite all the literature you get your facts from.

In short, this section should explain the patient’s condition or suffering.

6. Intervention

After the diagnosis section, your nursing case study analysis should have an intervention section. This section is also known as the nursing care plan section. What you are supposed to do in this section is to present a nursing care plan for the patient presented in the patient scenario.

A good nursing care plan is one that details the patient’s chief complaints or critical problems. It then describes the causes for these problems using evidence from recent medical or nursing literature. It then details the potential intervention for each problem. Lastly, it includes goals and evaluation strategies for the measures.

Some nursing professors regard the intervention section (or nursing care plan section) as the most important part of a nursing case study. This is because this part details exactly how the student nurse will react to the patient scenario (which is exactly what the nursing professors want to know). So make sure you put in good effort when developing this section to get an excellent grade in this section.

7. Discussion and recommendations

The intervention section in a nursing case study is followed by a discussion and recommendations section. In this section, you are supposed to expound on the patient scenario, the diagnosis, and the nursing care plan. You are also supposed to expound on the potential outcomes if the care plan is followed properly. The rationale for the care plan or its important bits should also be explained in the discussion.

The discussion should be followed by recommendations. Recommendations usually everything important that can be done or changed to manage patient condition or prevent its reoccurrence. Basically, anything that enhances the patient’s well-being can be a recommendation. Just make sure your key recommendations are supported by evidence.

8. Conclusion

This is the second last section of a typical nursing case study. What you need here is to summarize the entire case study. Make sure your summary has at least the case presentation, the nursing assessment/diagnosis, the intervention, and the key recommendations.

At the very end of your conclusion, add a closing statement. The statement should wrap up the whole thing nicely. Try to make it as impressive as possible.

9. References

This is the last section of a nursing case study. No nursing case study is complete without a references section. You should make sure your case study has both in-text citations and a references page.

And you should make sure both are written as recommended in the assignment. The style section is usually Harvard or APA. Follow the recommended style to get a good grade in your essay.

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Nursing Case Study

You now know all the key sections you need to include in a nursing case study. You also know what exactly you need to do in each section. It is now time to know how exactly to write a nursing case study. The process detailed below should be easy to follow because you now know the typical structure of nursing case studies.

When given a nursing case study assignment, the first thing you need to do is to read. You need to read two pieces of information slowly and carefully.

First, you need to read the prompt itself slowly and carefully. This is important because the prompt will have important bits of information that you need to know, including the style, the format, the word count, and the number of references needed. All these bits of information are important to know to ensure what you are writing is the right thing.

Second, you need to read the patient scenario slowly and carefully. You should do this to understand it clearly so that you do not make any mistakes in your analysis.

  • Create a rough outline

Failure to plan is a plan to fail. So do not fail to plan. In other words, do not fail to create an outline for your case study analysis. Use the template provided in this essay to create a rough outline for your nursing case study analysis.

Make sure your outline is as detailed as it can be at this stage. You can do light research to achieve this aim. However, this is not exactly necessary because this is just a rough outline.

  • Conduct thorough research

After creating a rough outline, you should conduct thorough research. Your research should especially focus on providing a credible and evidence-based nursing assessment on the patient problem(s). The evidence you should use should only be from recent nursing or medical literature.

You will also need to conduct thorough research to come up with an effective intervention or nursing care plan. So when researching the patient’s problem and its diagnosis, you should also research the most suitable intervention or you should do it right after.

When conducting research, you should always note down your sources. So for every piece of information you find and what to use, you should have its reference.

After conducting thorough research, you should enhance your rough outline using the new pieces of information you have discovered. Make sure it is as comprehensive as possible.

  • Write your nursing case study

At this stage, you simply need to follow your comprehensive outline to write your case study analysis. If you created a good outline, you should find it very easy to write your nursing case study analysis.

If you did not, you will find it difficult to write your nursing case study. Whenever you are stuck when writing your case study analysis paper, you should re-read the part of this article where we explain what to include in every section of your analysis. Doing so will help you know what exactly to write to continue with your essay. Writing a nursing case study analysis usually takes only a few hours.

  • Reference your case study

After writing your case study, make sure you add all in-text citations if you had not added them already. And when adding them, you should make sure you follow the style/format recommended in the assignment prompt (usually APA or Harvard style).

After adding in-text citations exactly where they need to be and in the right format, add all the references you have used in a references page. And you should add them correctly as per the rules of the style you were asked to use.

Do not forget to organize your references alphabetically after you are done creating your references page.

  • Thoroughly edit your case study

After STEP 5 above, you need to edit your case study. You should edit it slowly and carefully. Do this by proofreading it twice. Proofread it slowly each time to discover all the grammar, style, and punctuation errors. Remove all the errors you find.

After proofreading your essay twice, check it one more time to make sure every sentence is very easy to understand. This is what will transform your ordinary case study into an A-grade case study. Of course, it must also have all the standard sections expected in a case study.

Just to make sure your case study is absolutely perfect, check it one more time using a grammarly.com or a similar computer grammar checker. Doing this will help you catch and eliminate all the remaining errors in your work.

  • Submit your case study analysis

After you are done proofreading and editing your case study analysis, it will be 100% ready for submission. Just convert it into the format it is required in and submit it.

Nursing Case Study Tips and Tricks

The guide above and other pieces of information in this article should help you to develop a good nursing case study analysis. The tips and tricks in this section should help you to ensure that your nursing case study analysis you create is an excellent one.

  • Begin early

The moment you see a nursing case study assignment prompt, identify a date to start writing it and create your own deadline to beat before the deadline stated in the prompt.

If you do this and then start writing your case study analysis early before your deadline, you will have plenty of time to do excellent research, to develop an excellent paper, and to edit your final paper as thoroughly as you want to.

Most student nurses combine work and study. So if you decide to leave a nursing case study assignment until late to complete it, something could come up and you could end up failing to submit it or submitting a rushed case study analysis.

  • Use the right terminology

When writing an essay or any other academic paper, you are always encouraged to use the simplest language possible to make your work easy to understand. However, this is not the case when writing a nursing case study analysis. While your work should certainly be easy to understand, you are required to use the right nursing terminology at every point where it is necessary. Failure to do this could water down your work or make it look less professional or convincing.

  • Avoid copying and pasting

If you are a serious nursing student, you obviously know that copying and pasting is not allowed or tolerated in assignments. However, sometimes copying and pasting can seem okay in nursing case study. For example, it can seem okay to copy-paste the patient presentation. However, this is not okay. You are supposed to paraphrase the verbatim when presenting the patient presentation in your essay. You should also avoid copy pasting information or texts directly. Every fact or evidence you research and find should be paraphrased to appear in your work. And it should be cited correctly.

  • Always ask for help if stuck

This is very important. Students are usually overwhelmed with academic work, especially a month or two to the end of the semester. If you are overwhelmed and you think you will not have the time to complete your nursing case study analysis or to submit a quality one, ask for help. Ask for help from an assignment help business like ours and you will soon have a paper ready that you can use as you please. If you choose to get help from us, you will get a well-researched, well-planned, well-developed, and fully edited nursing case study.

  • Format your paper correctly

Many students forget to do proper formatting after they are done writing their nursing case study analyses. Before you submit your paper, make sure you format it correctly. If you do not format your paper correctly, you will lose marks because of poor formatting. If you feel you are not very confident with your APA or Harvard formatting skills, send your paper to us to get it correctly formatted and ready for submission.

Last words - where to get help if overwhelmed

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We’ve got dozens of nursing experts available every day of the week to provide nursing assignment help. They can easily research and write virtually any type of nursing assignment, including a nursing case study. So, if the information provided in this article isn’t making you feel any optimistic about writing an excellent nursing case study, get help from us.

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How to write a reflective practice case study, bob price independent health services training consultant, surrey, england.

As evidence and experience play an important role in underpinning primary healthcare, combining them in a reflective practice case study has significant potential for purposes of publication and revalidation of professional practice.

Reflective practice case studies have the potential to help other nurses in the community re-examine care challenges and the opportunities before them. Nurses writing about a clinical case experience can add to the relevant evidence, as can discussion of the insights and issues that emerge. While research and reflective practice are regularly written about more generally in the press, there remains scope for nurses to combine them in a more analytical and pertinent way.

This article guides the reader through the process of identifying suitable case studies to write about and structuring the work they produce. Clear distinctions are made between case study as research methodology and case study as reflective practice process.

Primary Health Care . 27, 9, 35-42. doi: 10.7748/phc.2017.e1328

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

None declared

Prepare for revalidation: read this CPD article, answer the questionnaire and write a reflective account: rcni.com/reflective-account

Please email [email protected] . Guidelines on writing for publication are available at: rcni.com/writeforus

For information about writing for RCNi journals, contact [email protected]

For author guidelines, go to rcni.com/writeforus

Received: 13 June 2017

Accepted: 22 August 2017

case study - evidence review - reflective practice - revalidation - writing for publication

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Guidelines To Writing A Clinical Case Report

What is a clinical case report.

A case report is a detailed report of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. Case reports usually describe an unusual or novel occurrence and as such, remain one of the cornerstones of medical progress and provide many new ideas in medicine. Some reports contain an extensive review of the relevant literature on the topic. The case report is a rapid short communication between busy clinicians who may not have time or resources to conduct large scale research.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR PUBLISHING A CASE REPORT?

The most common reasons for publishing a case are the following: 1) an unexpected association between diseases or symptoms; 2) an unexpected event in the course observing or treating a patient; 3) findings that shed new light on the possible pathogenesis of a disease or an adverse effect; 4) unique or rare features of a disease; 5) unique therapeutic approaches; variation of anatomical structures.

Most journals publish case reports that deal with one or more of the following:

  • Unusual observations
  • Adverse response to therapies
  • Unusual combination of conditions leading to confusion
  • Illustration of a new theory
  • Question regarding a current theory
  • Personal impact.

STRUCTURE OF A CASE REPORT[ 1 , 2 ]

Different journals have slightly different formats for case reports. It is always a good idea to read some of the target jiurnals case reports to get a general idea of the sequence and format.

In general, all case reports include the following components: an abstract, an introduction, a case, and a discussion. Some journals might require literature review.

The abstract should summarize the case, the problem it addresses, and the message it conveys. Abstracts of case studies are usually very short, preferably not more than 150 words.

Introduction

The introduction gives a brief overview of the problem that the case addresses, citing relevant literature where necessary. The introduction generally ends with a single sentence describing the patient and the basic condition that he or she is suffering from.

This section provides the details of the case in the following order:

  • Patient description
  • Case history
  • Physical examination results
  • Results of pathological tests and other investigations
  • Treatment plan
  • Expected outcome of the treatment plan
  • Actual outcome.

The author should ensure that all the relevant details are included and unnecessary ones excluded.

This is the most important part of the case report; the part that will convince the journal that the case is publication worthy. This section should start by expanding on what has been said in the introduction, focusing on why the case is noteworthy and the problem that it addresses.

This is followed by a summary of the existing literature on the topic. (If the journal specifies a separate section on literature review, it should be added before the Discussion). This part describes the existing theories and research findings on the key issue in the patient's condition. The review should narrow down to the source of confusion or the main challenge in the case.

Finally, the case report should be connected to the existing literature, mentioning the message that the case conveys. The author should explain whether this corroborates with or detracts from current beliefs about the problem and how this evidence can add value to future clinical practice.

A case report ends with a conclusion or with summary points, depending on the journal's specified format. This section should briefly give readers the key points covered in the case report. Here, the author can give suggestions and recommendations to clinicians, teachers, or researchers. Some journals do not want a separate section for the conclusion: it can then be the concluding paragraph of the Discussion section.

Notes on patient consent

Informed consent in an ethical requirement for most studies involving humans, so before you start writing your case report, take a written consent from the patient as all journals require that you provide it at the time of manuscript submission. In case the patient is a minor, parental consent is required. For adults who are unable to consent to investigation or treatment, consent of closest family members is required.

Patient anonymity is also an important requirement. Remember not to disclose any information that might reveal the identity of the patient. You need to be particularly careful with pictures, and ensure that pictures of the affected area do not reveal the identity of the patient.

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How to Use Unfolding Case Studies as a Clinical Replacement Activity

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How to Write a Nursing Case Study

Writing a nursing case study requires thoughtful consideration of relevant information and resources. You must select a single subject, conduct research on it, interview experts, analyze the data collected, and present your findings. That may seem like a lot, but let us break it down for you. Here’s a look at the key elements that your case study structure should cover:

A title page should be concise yet informative, helping readers understand what the focus of the study is. It includes the following elements:

  • Title of the case study
  • Author’s name
  • Any collaborators or contributors to the work
  • An abstract summarizing the contents

An abstract is a summary of the content of the case study, which outlines its purpose, methods used, results, and conclusions. It aims to provide readers with a clear overview of the studied topic without reading through the entire document.

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the case study by introducing the main subject and providing background information. It should include the research question(s) or hypothesis that will guide the investigation.

Case Presentation

Your case presentation needs to include as much relevant detail as possible while maintaining clarity and brevity. It details the following:

  • Patient’s history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Laboratory values
  • Imaging studies
  • Treatments received
  • Clinical course

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology discusses how diseases affect normal body processes and functions. Try to explain the pathology behind the observed symptoms to understand how they can be managed. This may involve discussing anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, immunology, and pathogenesis.

Nursing Care Plan

A nursing care plan should provide an overview of the patient’s current condition, including any pre-existing medical conditions. It should also outline the desired goals for the patient’s health, such as stabilizing vital signs or reducing pain levels. The plan will usually include a list of interventions to be carried out by nurses. It can also outline monitoring steps to evaluate whether these interventions are effective in achieving the desired outcomes.

Discussion and Recommendations

This section provides an opportunity to discuss any issues or suggestions related to the patient’s case study. Experienced professionals can provide valuable input regarding the best strategies to improve the treatment outcome.

The conclusion is where you can summarize all the findings from the study and provide your final thoughts regarding the results. It should draw attention to any successes achieved during the investigation and identify areas for improvement. Your conclusion should also make clear how the results relate to the overall objective of providing quality care for the patient.

The references section is where sources used throughout the case study are listed. These may include textbooks, reports, journal entries, and other forms of documentation that were consulted for the project. All entries must adhere to proper citation standards (e.g., APA style) and appear alphabetically according to the author’s name.

Final Words

Learning how to write a nursing case study has far more applications than just fulfilling a course requirement. These case studies can be invaluable tools in advocating for improved healthcare for individuals and communities. Hopefully, this quick guide has helped you better understand how to write a more comprehensive and clearer work. Good luck!

How to Write a Thorough Nursing Case Study

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to Write a Nursing Case Study [Examples, Format, & Tips]

✒️ case study topics for nursing students.

  • 🩺️ The Basics
  • 💉 Nursing Case Study: Writing Rules

📑 Nursing Case Study Format

📝 nursing case study examples.

  • ⏱️ Tips on Quick Writing

🔗 References

A nursing case study is an in-depth analysis of the health situation of an individual patient.

A nursing case study is an in-depth analysis of the health situation of an individual patient.

The analysis is based on:

  • medical history,
  • other relevant criteria.

In most cases, you will be asked to diagnose to suggest the first aid measures. Alternatively, nurses can be asked to describe a patient in their practice and analyze the correctness of their actions. The purpose is to recreate a realistic hospital setting in the classroom and make students reflect on the treatment process from diagnosis to treatment.

  • Anaphylactic shock in a teenager with peanut allergy.
  • Non-compliant patient with diabetes: ways to improve adherence.
  • Telehealth intervention for managing chronic disease.
  • Communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy in a rural community.
  • Postpartum hemorrhage in a new mother: risk factors and interventions.
  • Ways to improve recognition of dehydration in aging adults.
  • The effective ways of maintaining work-life balance for nurses.
  • Cultural competency in providing care to migrants and refugees.
  • Why should every patient’s medical history remain confidential?
  • The use of massage therapy in relieving pain.
  • The challenges facing medicine in 2024.
  • How does modern technology impact nursing?
  • The significance of regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider.
  • What are the primary treatments for postpartum depression?
  • The use of steroids in cancer treatment.

🩺️ Nursing Case Study: What Is It About?

As a nursing student, you should understand that no two patients are the same. Each has a unique clinical record and condition. And although most nursing case study tasks will ask you to suggest a diagnosis or treatment, your focus should rest on the patient.

Busy nurses can sometimes see their patients in the framework of an illness to be treated or a procedure to be fulfilled. But you should do your best to remember that each patient is a living person with a complex set of needs, emotions, and preferences. A ready-made textbook answer is rarely the best solution for them. Moreover, it rarely helps to analyze a condition in isolation from the patient.

In a nursing case study, your task is to analyze a disorder or illness as a part of a specific medical situation. If you don’t do that, your case study becomes an essay (theoretical and generalized). It is the difference between the two assignment types.

Once again:

A case study in nursing emphasizes the particular patient’s condition. Meanwhile, a nursing essay will explore the disease, prevention methods, treatment, or possible consequences of the disease.

Even if the case is hypothetical, it should focus on the suggested reality. On the other hand, essays are usually literature-based. You are expected to do some reading for a case study too, but you should research and present the information within the context of the patient. In simple terms, a case study uses information in the actual application, and an essay uses it for the sake of generalized suggestions.

💉 How to Write a Nursing Case Study: 3 Key Rules

  • Do the fieldwork. Before setting your hands to writing, you should collect all of the available materials: clinical notes, results of medical tests, x-rays, sickness records, etc. Use this information to draw a clear picture of the story. It is always helpful to ask yourself, “What is interesting or unusual about this patient’s condition?” In the course of writing, recall your answer from time to time not to get lost in words. It will help you to convey a definite and appropriate message.

The picture contains the 3 key rules of nursing case study writing.

  • Stick to the facts. A nursing case study should be an accurate description of the actual situation. Restrain from speculating about the inherent mechanisms of the illness or the general treatment methodology. In fact, students are rarely prepared enough to discuss pathology and physiology. Leave this to reputable experts. The best result you can provide in a case study is an honest account of clinical events.
  • Concentrate on the patients and their progress. Remember that a nursing case study is a story of a patient’s progress and not a narrative about their nurse. No matter how efficiently the medical specialist acted, it would be incorrect to add any praiseful remarks. The optimal way is to tell the story in its logical and time order and outline the result of treatment. In this case, the outcome will speak for itself.

Introduction

It is where you should tell the reader why this case is interesting . Place your study in a social or historical context. If, during your preliminary research, you found some similar cases, describe them briefly. If you had a hard time diagnosing the patient or your proposed treatment is complicated, mention it here. Don’t forget to cite the references to each of them!

The introduction should not exceed several paragraphs. The purpose is to explain why the reader will benefit from reading about the case.

The picture contains a list of structural components of a nursing case study,

Case Presentation

  • Why did the patient seek medical help? (Describe the symptoms.)
  • What is known about the patient? (Mention only the information that influenced your diagnosis. Otherwise, explain why some information is irrelevant to the diagnosis.)
  • Stick to the narrative form. (Make it a story!)
  • What are the variants for diagnosis? (Make a shortlist of possible disorders that fall under the patient’s symptoms. But make it specific: not just “pneumonia” but “bilateral pneumonia,” for example. Besides, this point is optional.)
  • What were the results of your clinical examination? (If you saw the patient in person.)
  • Explain the results of lab tests. (The words “positive” or “negative” are not always clear.)

Actions and Their Results

This section describes the care that has been provided and/or is planned. You can answer the following questions in narrative form . If some information is missing, skip the point:

  • What preliminary actions have been taken? (Be specific: not just “wound care,” but “wound cleaning and dressing.”)
  • How long has the patient been under care?
  • Has the previous treatment given any visible result?
  • Why was it suspended or finished?
  • Why did the patient withdraw from treatment (if applicable)?
  • How could you improve the patient’s condition if the result was negative?
  • If the disease is incurable (like in the case of diabetes), which activities would stabilize the patient’s condition?
  • If possible, include the patient’s reports of their own physical and mental health.

In this section, you should identify your questions about the case. It is impossible to answer all of them in one case study. Likewise, it is unreal to suggest all the relevant hypotheses explaining the patient’s condition. Your purpose is to show your critical thinking and observation skills. Finalize your conclusion by summarizing the lessons you learned from the nursing case study.

Whenever you directly or indirectly cite other sources or use data from them, add these books and documents to the references list. Follow the citation style assigned by your professor. Besides, 15 items are already too much. Try to make a list of up to 10. Using textbooks as references can be viewed as bad manners.

Include all the tables, photographs, x-rays, figures, and the journal of medication usage in this section. Unless required otherwise in the assignment, start each item from a new page, naming them “Appendix A,” “Appendix B…”.

Below you will find case study samples for various topics. Using them as a reference will improve your writing. If you need more ideas, you are welcome to use our free title-generating tool .

  • Case study: healing and autonomy.
  • Sara’s case study: maternal and child nursing.
  • COPD medical diagnostics: case study.
  • Care standards in healthcare institutions: case study.
  • Acute bacterial prostatitis: case study analysis.
  • Alzheimer disease: the patient case study.
  • The treatment of foot ulcers in diabetic patients: case study.
  • Hypertension: C.D’s case study.
  • Myocardial infarction: cardiovascular case study.
  • Major depressive disorder case.
  • Case study of the patient with metabolic syndrome .
  • Pulmonary analysis case study .
  • Older adults isolation: Case study .
  • The holistic care: Case study .
  • Medical ethics: Case study .
  • Patient diagnoses and treatment: Case study .
  • Obesity case study: Mr. C .
  • Nurse Joserine: Case study problems .
  • Chronic stable angina: Case study .
  • Fetal abnormality: Case study .
  • Researching SOAP: Case study .
  • Case study for a patient with hormonal disorders .
  • Obesity in the elderly: The case study .
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  • Case study on biomedical ethics in the Christian narrative .
  • Thermal injury: Case study .
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  • Case study: An ethics of euthanasia .
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⏱️ Bonus: Tips on Writing a Case Study in Record Time

Need to prepare a case study on nursing or in another field? Below you’ll find a collection fo tips that will help you do it as quickly as possible!

3 Shortcuts for a Quick Start

If you’re about to start writing a case study, you should check yourself if you’re not doing any of the following:

  • spending too much time on selecting a topic;
  • reading too much before selecting a topic;
  • making conclusions too early – creating bias.

Instead of killing time doing the three useless things discussed above, consider these:

  • Choose approach. Note that there are 2 major approaches to case studies: the analytical approach (investigating possible reasons without making any conclusions) and problem-oriented approach (focusing on a particular problem and investigating it).
  • Skim some sources (DON’T READ THEM). Select several sources. Simply skim abstracts and conclusions.
  • Start making notes early. Simply reading is ineffective unless you’re lucky to have a phenomenal memory. Always make notes of any useful arguments.

4 Shortcuts Not to Get Stuck in the Middle

Even if you kick started your case study, it’s too early to celebrate it. Consider the following traps in the middle of the project:

  • Watch the structure. The classic logical structure is your formula of success. It will help you move from one point to another without the unnecessary procrastination:
  • Respect the logic. Make your case study flow – make logical transitions between the different parts and make it consistent. Avoid changing your position throughout the paper.
  • Be detail-oriented. Any trifle deserves attention when you write a case study.
  • Avoid bias. Be sure that all your opinions are based on the specific arguments form the case study. Avoid pouring your biased views into the project.

3 Shortcuts for a Happy Ending

  • Offer a realistic solution. College case study is a rehearsal of real-life situations. Take the responsibility for your suggestions.
  • Keep your conclusion short. Avoid repeating the details and don’t include any new information.
  • Consider creating a Power Point. If your task is not only writing a case study, but also presenting it – why not create PowerPoint slides to help you?

As the last step on your way to a perfect nursing case study, prepare the title page. Its format usually depends on the professor’s requirements. But if you know the citation style, our Title Page Maker is a perfect tool to apply the right formatting and accelerate the process. And if you have any know-how on how to write a medical case study, you are very welcome to share it with other students in the comments below.

❓ Nursing Case Study: FAQ

What is a case study in nursing.

A nursing case study explores the condition of a patient. It is based on previous clinical records, lab reports, and other medical and personal information. A case study focuses on the patient and describes the treatment that was (or should be) applied and its (expected) outcome.

How to Write a Nursing Case Study?

  • Collect the bulk of data available about the patient.
  • Read literature about the diagnosed condition.
  • Focus on the individual patient and their symptoms.
  • Describe the situation and outline its development in time.
  • Analyze the actions of the medical personnel that have been done.
  • Plan further treatment of the patient.

Why Are Case Studies Good for Nursing Students?

Nursing case studies offer you a priceless opportunity to gain experience of different patient conditions and cure methods without visiting the clinic. You can think about whether the proposed treatment was appropriate or wrong and suggest a better solution. And the best thing, your teacher will indicate your mistakes (and no patient will be hurt in the process).

Why Are Case Studies Important in Nursing?

  • You learn to distinguish the relevant data and analyze it.
  • You learn to ask the right questions.
  • You learn to evaluate the severity of symptoms.
  • You learn to make better diagnoses.
  • You train your critical thinking in terms of treatment methods
  • Case studies are in-class simulators of authentic atmosphere in a clinical ward.
  • What is a case study? | Evidence-Based Nursing
  • Case Studies – Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Case Study Research Design in Nursing
  • Case study report for Nursing | Learning Lab – RMIT University
  • Case Study or Nursing Care Study? – jstor

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

Nursing Case Studies with Answers

Explore Nursing Case Studies with Answers and examples in Carepatron's free downloadable PDF. Enhance your nursing knowledge and prepare for exams with practical scenarios.

writing a case study nursing

By Wynona Jugueta on Apr 08, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

writing a case study nursing

What is a case study?

A case study in medicine is a detailed report of a patient's experience with a disease, treatment, or condition. It typically includes the patient's medical history, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment course, and outcome.

Some key things to know about medical case studies template . First, they delve deep into the specifics of a single case, providing a rich understanding of a particular medical situation.

Medical professionals use case studies to learn about rare diseases, unusual presentations of common conditions, and the decision-making process involved in complex cases.

Case studies can identify exciting areas for further investigation through more rigorous clinical trials. While informative, they can't be used to develop general treatment guidelines because they only focus on a single case.

Overall, medical case studies are valuable tools for medical education and research, offering insights into human health and disease complexities.

Printable Nursing Case Studies with Answers

Download this Nursing Case Studies with Answers to analyze complex clinical situations, identify priority needs, and develop effective care plans tailored to individual patients.

What is in a nursing case study?

A nursing case study is a detailed examination of a patient's health condition, treatment plan, and overall care journey, specifically from the perspective of nursing practice. These case studies are essential components of nursing education and professional development, providing valuable insights into clinical scenarios and patient care experiences.

In a case nursing study template , various elements are typically included to comprehensively understand the patient's situation. First and foremost, the case study outlines the patient's demographic information, including age, gender, medical history, and presenting symptoms. This demographic overview sets the stage for understanding the context in which healthcare interventions occur.

Moreover, nursing case studies often delve into the nursing assessment process, highlighting the initial and ongoing assessments nurses conduct to gather relevant patient health status data. These assessments involve physical examinations, vital sign monitoring, and assessment tools to identify potential health issues and risk factors.

Critical thinking skills are essential in nursing case studies, as they enable nurses to analyze complex clinical situations, identify priority needs, and develop effective care plans tailored to individual patients. Nursing students and experienced nurses use case studies as opportunities to enhance their critical thinking abilities and clinical decision-making processes.

Nursing case studies serve several vital purposes within healthcare education and professional practice, whether they are a primary care physician or a group of nursing students. Let's explore each purpose in detail:

Enhancing clinical reasoning skills

One primary purpose of nursing case studies is to enhance nursing students' and practicing nurses' clinical reasoning skills. By presenting realistic patient scenarios, case studies challenge individuals to analyze clinical data, interpret findings, and develop appropriate nursing interventions. This process promotes critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for effective nursing practice.

Applying theoretical knowledge to practice

Nursing case studies provide a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They allow nursing students to apply concepts learned in the classroom to real-world patient care situations. By engaging with case studies, students can integrate theoretical principles with clinical practice, gaining a deeper understanding of nursing concepts and their relevance to patient care.

Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration

Another purpose of nursing case studies is to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals. Nurses often collaborate with physicians, specialists, therapists, and other team members in complex patient cases to deliver comprehensive care. Case studies offer opportunities for nurses to explore collaborative decision-making processes, communication strategies, and teamwork dynamics essential for providing quality patient care.

Promoting evidence-based practice

Nursing case studies are crucial in promoting evidence-based practice (EBP) within nursing and healthcare settings. Nurses can make informed decisions about patient care interventions by analyzing patient scenarios and considering current research evidence. Case studies encourage nurses to critically evaluate research findings, clinical guidelines, and best practices to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered care.

Fostering professional development

Engaging with nursing case studies contributes to the ongoing professional development of nurses at all stages of their careers. For nursing students, case studies provide valuable learning experiences that help prepare them for clinical practice. For experienced nurses, case studies offer opportunities to refine clinical skills, stay updated on emerging healthcare trends, and reflect on past experiences to improve future practice.

How to write a nursing case study?

Writing a nursing case study involves several essential steps to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. Let's break down the process into actionable steps:

Step 1: Select a patient case

Begin by selecting a patient case that presents a relevant and compelling healthcare scenario. Consider factors such as the patient's demographic information, medical history, presenting symptoms (e.g., joint stiffness, pain), and healthcare needs (e.g., medication administration, vital signs monitoring). Choose a case that aligns with your learning objectives and offers meaningful analysis and discussion opportunities.

Step 2: Gather relevant data

Collect comprehensive data about the selected patient case, including medical records, test results, nursing assessments, and relevant healthcare documentation. Pay close attention to details such as the patient's current health status, past medical history (e.g., diabetes), treatment plans, and any ongoing concerns or challenges. Utilize assessment tools and techniques to evaluate the patient's condition thoroughly and identify areas of clinical significance.

Step 3: Assess the patient's needs

Based on the gathered data, evaluate the patient's needs, considering physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors. Assess the patient's pain levels, mobility, vital signs, and other relevant health indicators. Identify any potential complications, risks, or areas requiring immediate attention. Consider the patient's preferences, cultural background, and individualized care requirements in your assessment.

Step 4: Formulate nursing diagnoses

Formulate nursing diagnoses that accurately reflect the patient's health needs and priorities based on your assessment findings. Identify actual and potential nursing diagnoses related to the patient's condition, considering factors such as impaired mobility, ineffective pain management, medication adherence issues, and self-care deficits. Ensure your nursing diagnoses are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Step 5: Develop a care plan

Develop a comprehensive care plan outlining the nursing interventions and strategies to address the patient's identified needs and nursing diagnoses. Prioritize interventions based on the patient's condition, preferences, and care goals. Include evidence-based nursing interventions to promote optimal health outcomes, manage symptoms, prevent complications, and enhance the patient's overall well-being. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals as needed to ensure coordinated care delivery.

Step 6: Implement and evaluate interventions

Implement the nursing interventions outlined in the care plan while closely monitoring the patient's response to treatment. Administer medications, provide patient education, perform nursing procedures, and coordinate care activities to effectively meet the patient's needs. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, reassessing the patient's condition and adjusting the care plan as necessary. Document all interventions, observations, and outcomes accurately and comprehensively.

Step 7: Reflect and seek assistance

Reflect on the nursing case study process, considering what worked well, areas for improvement, and lessons learned. Seek assistance from nursing instructors, preceptors, or colleagues if you encounter challenges or have concerns about the patient's care. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to address complex patient issues and ensure holistic care delivery. Continuously strive to enhance your nursing practice through ongoing learning and professional development.

Nursing Case Studies with Answers example (sample)

Below is an example of a nursing case study sample created by the Carepatron team. This sample illustrates a structured framework for documenting patient cases, outlining nursing interventions, and providing corresponding answers to guide learners through the analysis process. Feel free to download the PDF and use it as a reference when formulating your own nursing case studies.

Download this free Nursing Case Studies with Answers PDF example here 

Nursing Case Study

Why use Carepatron as your nursing software?

Carepatron stands out as a comprehensive and reliable solution for nursing professionals seeking efficient and streamlined workflows in their practice. With a range of features tailored to the needs of nurses and healthcare teams, Carepatron offers unparalleled support and functionality for managing various aspects of patient care.

Nurse scheduling software

One of the key advantages of Carepatron is its nurse scheduling software , which simplifies the process of creating and managing schedules for nursing staff. With intuitive scheduling tools and customizable options, nurses can easily coordinate shifts, manage availability, and ensure adequate staffing levels to meet patient needs effectively.

Telehealth platform

In addition, Carepatron offers a robust telehealth platform that facilitates remote patient monitoring, virtual consultations, and telemedicine services. This feature enables nurses to provide continuity of care beyond traditional healthcare settings, reaching patients in remote areas or those unable to attend in-person appointments.

Clinical documentation software

Furthermore, Carepatron's clinical documentation software streamlines the documentation process, allowing nurses to easily capture patient data, record assessments, and document interventions. The platform supports accurate and efficient documentation practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting continuity of care across healthcare settings.

General Practice

Commonly asked questions

In clinical terms, a case study is a detailed examination of a patient's medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, typically used for educational or research purposes.

Case studies are essential in nursing as they provide real-life scenarios for nurses to apply theoretical knowledge, enhance critical thinking skills, and develop practical clinical reasoning and decision-making abilities.

Case studies in nursing education offer benefits such as promoting active learning, encouraging problem-solving skills, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering a deeper understanding of complex healthcare situations.

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  1. Nursing Case Study Analysis [10 Examples & How-To Guides]

    1. Nursing Case Study Example - Meadowvale University School Of Nursing -. The case analysis explores some of the ways in which the curriculum development leader can adopt measures that enhance faculty support and development in the task of curriculum development (Nursing Case Study Analysis) Problem-solving case analysis. 2.

  2. What is a case study?

    Case study is a research methodology, typically seen in social and life sciences. There is no one definition of case study research.1 However, very simply… 'a case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units'.1 A case study has also been described as an intensive, systematic investigation of a ...

  3. Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Nursing Case Study

    Writing a nursing case study analysis usually takes only a few hours. Reference your case study. After writing your case study, make sure you add all in-text citations if you had not added them already. And when adding them, you should make sure you follow the style/format recommended in the assignment prompt (usually APA or Harvard style).

  4. 7 steps to successful nursing case study writing

    Writing a successful nursing case study can be a challenging task. However, by following the steps provided in this blog that is, first defining the problem, gathering information, developing alternatives., analyzing the alternatives, selecting the best alternative, implementing the solution and evaluating the outcome.

  5. Write for publication: a clinical, step-by-step guide for nurses

    Case studies Most nurses are familiar with case studies, first from learning how to write them in nursing school and then in clinical practice when reading progress notes. If you're a novice writer, you'll find reading case studies in journals to be helpful. Published case studies can evolve from real case reports or be a simulated ...

  6. How to Write a Nursing Case Study Paper (A Guide)

    Ensure your summary has at least the case presentation, the nursing assessment/diagnosis, the intervention, and the key recommendations. At the very end of your conclusion, add a closing statement. The statement should wrap up the whole thing nicely. Try to make it as impressive as possible. 9.

  7. How to Write a Case Study Analysis (With Example)

    6 Steps for Writing a Case Study Analysis. Writing a nursing case study analysis requires a systematic approach to ensure all necessary details are covered and accurately presented. The case study approach allows in-depth, multi-faceted explorations of complex issues in real-life settings. Here is a step-by-step guide to facilitate this process:

  8. Guidelines to the writing of case studies

    It is best to simply tell the story and let the outcome speak for itself. With these points in mind, let's begin the process of writing the case study: Title page: Title: The title page will contain the full title of the article. Remember that many people may find our article by searching on the internet.

  9. How to Write a Nursing Case Study: Tips and Examples

    Good nursing case study writing forms the basis of the nursing curriculum and healthcare assignment help in the healthcare industry, enabling pupils to grow into capable, responsible, and caring ...

  10. Case study report for nursing

    The case study in nursing explores a particular patient's situation, while your essays will more likely have focused on disease, a treatment, a concept, or a system. A case study is very grounded in the real and the now, even if the patient is a hypothetical invention.

  11. A Comprehensive Nursing Case Study Writing Guide

    Writing nursing case studies is an essential skill for nursing students in the USA, UK, and Canada. Through these case studies, students can bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing them for the complex and dynamic healthcare environments they will encounter in their careers. By carefully selecting cases, conducting thorough ...

  12. How to Write a Case Study Paper for Nursing

    A nursing case study paper contains several sections that fall into three categories: 1. The status of the patient. Demographic data. Medical History. Current diagnosis and treatment. 2. The nursing assessment of the patient. Vital signs and test results.

  13. How to Write a Nursing Case Study that Scores an Excellent Grade

    The typical title page should include the topic of your paper, your name, the name of your professor, the course name, the date you are submitting the paper, and the name of your college. 2. Abstract. Most nursing professors require you to include an abstract in your nursing case study analysis.

  14. How to write a reflective practice case study

    This article guides the reader through the process of identifying suitable case studies to write about and structuring the work they produce. Clear distinctions are made between case study as research methodology and case study as reflective practice process. Primary Health Care. 27, 9, 35-42. doi: 10.7748/phc.2017.e1328. Peer review

  15. How To Complete A Nursing Case Study With An Actual Patient Scenario

    We'll discuss the steps involved, from selecting a patient to presenting the case study, and provide tips to ensure a comprehensive and informative analysis. Step 1: Selecting the Patient. The first step in completing a nursing case study with an actual patient scenario is to select an appropriate patient.

  16. Guidelines To Writing A Clinical Case Report

    A case report is a detailed report of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. Case reports usually describe an unusual or novel occurrence and as such, remain one of the cornerstones of medical progress and provide many new ideas in medicine. Some reports contain an extensive review of the relevant ...

  17. Free Nursing Case Studies & Examples

    Click on a case study below to view in our Nursing Case Study Examples course which holds all of our 40+ nursing case studies with answers. Acute Kidney Injury Nursing Case Study. Continue Case Study. Cardiogenic Shock Nursing Case Study. Continue Case Study. Breast Cancer Nursing Case Study. Continue Case Study. Respiratory Nursing Case Study.

  18. How to Use Unfolding Case Studies as a Clinical Replacement ...

    Based on the review of the literature for my dissertation, to successfully develop nurse thinking using case studies I identified the following strategies. The more case studies, the better! Repetition of case studies improved clinical decision making (Yang et al., 2019), a key component of safe practice and the upcoming Next Generation NCLEX!

  19. How to Write a Thorough Nursing Case Study

    Writing a nursing case study requires thoughtful consideration of relevant information and resources. You must select a single subject, conduct research on it, interview experts, analyze the data collected, and present your findings. That may seem like a lot, but let us break it down for you. Here's a look at the key elements that your case ...

  20. Smart'n

    Nursing Case Study: Baby S - Respiratory distress and hypoxemia Background of baby's respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Baby S is a 10-day-old infant who was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Baby S was born prematurely at 34 weeks gestation via emergency cesarean section due to ...

  21. How to Write a Nursing Case Study + Examples, Format, & Tips

    In a nursing case study, your task is to analyze a disorder or illness as a part of a specific medical situation. If you don't do that, your case study becomes an essay (theoretical and generalized). It is the difference between the two assignment types. Once again: A case study in nursing emphasizes the particular patient's condition.

  22. Nursing Case Studies With Answers & Example

    Writing a nursing case study involves several essential steps to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. Let's break down the process into actionable steps: Step 1: Select a patient case. Begin by selecting a patient case that presents a relevant and compelling healthcare scenario. Consider factors such as the patient's demographic information ...

  23. Writing Next Generation NCLEX-Style Case Study Questions

    Client/Nurse Interaction. The six questions in the case study should focus on the application of one of the cognitive skills highlighted in the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM). Silvestri (2020) identifies questions that test-writers (and test-takers) ask themselves to understand each of the six cognitive skills.