Single Case Studies

Single Case Studies                                                                               

Typically case-studies or casereports serve teaching purposes by illustrating a case that opens new perspektives.Case studies are usually retrospective and descriptive, they are not analytical in the sense of answering a scientific hypothesis. Their main contribution to science is to uncover new phenomena, and stimulate experimental and analytical trials.

Single Case Analyses

are different from case reports. If it is difficult and tedious to recruit volunteers in sufficient numbers a case-analysis trial can be the solution to obtain evdidence. Case analyses are based on multiple measuring points during the observation period. An advantage may be that they are carried out without significant effort, compared to larger studies. They have little impact on the normal clinical practice, they may be a good "add on" to RCTs.

The table lists the key features of "case report" and "case analysis".