RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 How to Read a Case Report (or Teaching Case of the Month) JF Respiratory Care FD American Association for Respiratory Care SP 1372 OP 1378 VO 54 IS 10 A1 David J Pierson YR 2009 UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/54/10/1372.abstract AB Case reports are of minor importance in evidence-based medicine but can nonetheless make meaningful contributions to both knowledge and education. Although many traditional medical journals publish fewer case reports in this era of space constraints and preoccupation with Impact Factors, new Internet-based journals are appearing that focus exclusively on reports of individual cases. Given the variability of documentation, objectivity, and interpretation among the case reports now accessible by clinicians and trainees, it is important to be able to read them critically and to use the information they contain appropriately. This article discusses factors to consider in evaluating individual case reports, and provides a practical semi-quantitative scheme for assessing their potential validity and educational value.