Case Development

Cases follow one of two formats. Many of our original cases follow “case-days” and are 20 or so pages in length. Other, newer ones are shorter (8 to 10 pages) and discuss the patient and the medical course from a more integrated perspective. Either format is acceptable. Each case should include:

• Two to three questions for discussion relating to key points of the case.
• A post-case discussion, three to five pages in length, that leads the reader through the major ideas presented in the case.
• A complete reference list that includes review articles, books, or web links that are appropriate to the case/issue addressed.

Medical-student writers should collaborate with a faculty mentor from their school. Writers are further encouraged to contact us in advance of submission to confirm the suitability of their case. All submitted material will be reviewed by the IHC directors before it is posted on ImproveHealthCare.org.

Clinical Vignettes

Clinical vignettes describe the interaction of a health policy issue with a patient or with clinical medicine. We welcome a one-page vignette and a one- to two-page description of the issue that influences the patient.

Ask-the-Expert

These documents are write-ups from interviews with experts on various health policy issues. An easy way to produce these write-ups is to contact invited speakers and set up a Q&A time on the day of their lecture. Ideally, you should have approximately 10 questions on the topic of their expertise.