A structured abstract uses subheadings. Structured abstracts are becoming more popular for basic scientific and clinical studies, since they standardize the abstract and ensure that certain information is included. This is very useful for readers who search for articles on the internet. Often the abstract is displayed by a search engine, and on the basis of the abstract the reader will decide whether or not to download the full article (which may require payment of a fee). With a structured abstract, the reader is more likely to be given the information which they need to decide whether to go on to the full article.
Since they are summaries, both narrative and structured abstracts are easier to write once you have finished the rest of the article. Having said that, you should still make a start on your abstract at the beginning since it will help to guide your writing. You can then come back and modify the abstract later. While structured abstracts are becoming much more common, they are normally designed for studies with a more complex structure than the case study. Nonetheless, we include a template for a structured abstract and encourage you to make use of it. Our sub-headings will be:
a) Introduction: This consists of one or two sentences to summarize the entire article.
b) Case presentation: Several sentences describe the history and results of any examinations performed. The working diagnosis and management of the case are described.
c) Outcome: Simply describe the course of the patient’s complaint. Where possible, make reference to any outcome measures which you used to objectively demonstrate how the patient’s condition evolved through the course of management.
d) Conclusions: Within one or two sentences describe the lessons to be learned from this case.
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