Case Study

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A case study involves an analysis of a clinical situation or incident. This widely used teaching strategy usually depicts an actual or fictitious patient in a clinical situation, thus allowing students to learn concepts and diagnostic reasoning in a clinical context. Case studies can range from very simple to complex. Typically, a case study presents patient information followed by questions. The learner must analyze and interpret the data provided to answer questions. Critical thinking occurs when questions involve problem solving as opposed to interpretation of facts – in other words when questions posed are at an application, analysis, or evaluative level.

Example of Using a Case Study (Video)

In order to view the example below, you will need Windows Media Player installed on your computer and speakers or headphones for your computer. See Information on downloading and using Windows Media Player.

Dial-up
use this version if you are using a phone modem to access your course

Broadband
use this version if you are using DSL, cable, a campus computer or any other high-speed access

Developing and Implementing a Case Study Activity

Planning
The instructor must determine the goal of learning for the case study (i.e. what type of clinical situation is desired). Because there are several published case studies available, the planning may involve finding a case study appropriate for the desired learning. If the instructor elects to write a case study, it should include a patient situation within a specific setting and should include desired data (such as laboratory results, examination findings, medications, etc). The complexity of the case should be based on a) the level of the students, and b) the amount of time the instructor expects the students to work on the case study.

Implementation
The instructor needs to decide if this is an individual assignment or a group activity, and if this is to be an in class activity, or an out of class assignment. If the case study is to be an in class assignment, the instructor should be sure to provide initial instructions to the students, and allow them to work. The role of the instructor is to facilitate the work by discussing various points or options posed by the questions.

Evaluation
Instructors should provide feedback to the students so they can evaluate their thinking process. Evaluation can be done in a classroom setting (such as a discussion) or in writing if the case study was completed as an assignment.

Advantage

Disadvantage

  • Stimulates critical thinking through analysis and interpretation of data

  • Presents nursing concepts in a clinical context that students can relate to

  • When done in small groups, generates discussion and sharing of ideas and thoughts among group members

  • Can be applied in multiple settings.

  • Can be done in multiple formats (written, video, computer

  • Professionally written case studies are readily available in multiple formats 

  • Development of a case study requires clinical expertise and is time intensive.