How to make a case report poster?

Crafting an effective case report poster involves distilling complex patient information into an engaging, visually appealing, and concise format that educates your audience.

Understanding the Purpose of a Case Report Poster

A case report poster is a visual summary of a unique patient case, often presented at medical conferences or academic events. Its primary goal is to share novel clinical observations, discuss rare diseases, unusual presentations, or unexpected outcomes, and contribute to medical knowledge. Unlike a full paper, a poster demands brevity and strong visual communication.

Key Components of a High-Impact Case Report Poster

To create a compelling poster, you must structure your content logically and ensure clarity. Case report posters should clearly state learning objectives, tie the conclusions to the learning objectives, and use the appropriate amount of words.

Here are the essential sections to include:

H2: 1. Title

Your title should be concise, captivating, and accurately reflect the essence of your case. It often includes the key diagnosis or unusual aspect of the case.

• Example: "An Atypical Presentation of Myocardial Infarction in a Young Patient with Normal Coronary Arteries"

H2: 2. Authors and Affiliations

List all contributing authors and their respective institutional affiliations. This provides proper attribution and contact information.

H2: 3. Introduction / Background

This section sets the stage, providing context for your case.

• Purpose: Briefly explain why this case is significant or unique. What existing knowledge does it build upon or challenge?
• Content: A short paragraph outlining the disease, its typical presentation, and why your case is noteworthy.

H2: 4. Learning Objectives

This is a crucial section. As per best practices, case report posters should clearly state learning objectives. These objectives define what the audience should gain from viewing your poster.

• Format: Use bullet points with action verbs.
• Examples:
  • "To recognize the subtle clinical signs of [Disease X] in atypical presentations."
  • "To understand the diagnostic challenges associated with [Condition Y]."
  • "To discuss the therapeutic options for [Problem Z] in a rare setting."

H2: 5. Case Description

This is the core of your poster, detailing the patient's journey. Present information chronologically and clearly.

• Patient Demographics: Age, gender, relevant medical history.
• Chief Complaint & History of Present Illness: What brought the patient in and the progression of symptoms.
• Physical Examination Findings: Pertinent positive and negative findings.
• Diagnostic Workup: Relevant lab results, imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), ECGs, and other tests.
• Diagnosis: The final diagnosis reached.
• Treatment & Course: Interventions, medications, surgeries, and the patient's response to treatment.
• Follow-up: Patient's condition post-treatment.

H2: 6. Discussion

In this section, you interpret your findings and compare them to existing literature.

• Key Points: Highlight the most important aspects of your case.
• Comparison: How does your case differ from or align with typical presentations or established guidelines?
• Clinical Significance: What can be learned from this case? Why is it important for other clinicians to know?
• Literature Review: Briefly cite relevant studies or guidelines that support or contrast with your case.

H2: 7. Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize the key takeaways from your case. Critically, you must tie the conclusions to the learning objectives stated earlier. This demonstrates that you have addressed what you set out to teach.

• Structure: Reiterate the most important finding or message.
• Connection: Directly link back to your learning objectives, confirming that they have been met.
• Example: "This case highlights [Conclusion 1], reinforcing Learning Objective 1. Furthermore, it underscores [Conclusion 2], fulfilling Learning Objective 2."

H2: 8. References

Include a concise list of 3-5 most relevant references. Use a consistent citation style (e.g., Vancouver, APA).

H2: 9. Acknowledgements (Optional)

Thank individuals or organizations who contributed to the patient's care or poster development but are not authors.

Design and Formatting Best Practices

An effective poster is not just about content; its presentation is key to attracting and retaining audience attention.

• Layout:
  • Use a clear, logical flow (e.g., columns, rows) to guide the viewer's eye.
  • Maintain ample white space around text and images to prevent a cluttered appearance.
  • A typical poster size is 36x48 inches or 44x44 inches.
• Text and Readability:
  • Font Choice: Use legible fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, Calibri, Times New Roman).
  • Font Size: Ensure text is readable from a few feet away.
    • Title: 72-120 pt
    • Headings: 48-60 pt
    • Body Text: 24-36 pt
  • Word Count: Use the appropriate amount of words. Posters are visual summaries; avoid long paragraphs. Use bullet points and concise sentences. Aim for clarity and conciseness, typically no more than 300-500 words for the entire poster content (excluding title/author info).
• Visual Elements:
  • Images & Graphics: Incorporate high-resolution images (e.g., patient photos with consent, scans, lab results, flowcharts) to illustrate key points. These should be relevant and clearly labeled.
  • Tables & Charts: Use tables to present data concisely and charts to visualize trends or comparisons.
  • Color Scheme: Choose a professional, harmonious color palette. Ensure good contrast between text and background.
• Branding & Logos: If required by your institution or conference, include relevant logos.

Practical Tips for Poster Creation

1. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time for drafting, designing, and revisions.
2. Draft Content First: Write all your content in a document before moving to design software.
3. Use Software Wisely: Programs like PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva are commonly used. PowerPoint is often sufficient for most users.
4. Get Feedback: Ask colleagues or mentors to review your poster for clarity, accuracy, and visual appeal before printing.
5. Practice Your Pitch: While the poster stands alone, be prepared to briefly explain your case report to interested viewers in 2-5 minutes.

Summary of Poster Sections

By following these guidelines and focusing on clarity, conciseness, and visual impact, you can create a highly effective case report poster that successfully communicates your valuable clinical insights.