casereview

Casereview, or case review, is the systematic examination of a case or set of cases to understand decision making, outcomes, and learning opportunities. It is used in many disciplines to promote quality improvement, education, and accountability.

In medicine, casereviews are commonly conducted as morbidity and mortality conferences, patient safety reviews, and multidisciplinary case discussions. They typically focus on diagnostic reasoning, treatment choices, adverse outcomes, and contributing system factors. In law, case review refers to the analysis of judicial decisions and statutes to identify legal principles, precedents, and implications for practice. In education, business, and social sciences, case reviews examine specific scenarios to illustrate concepts, test hypotheses, or plan interventions.

Process: cases are selected for educational value or risk or interest; relevant records and data are gathered; a structured discussion is held with a facilitator or moderator; the group analyzes the case using appropriate methods (for example, root cause analysis, critical incident technique, or reflective practice); conclusions and actionable recommendations are documented; and results are disseminated and followed up to implement changes and assess impact.

Ethical and methodological considerations: casereviews typically require de-identification of sensitive information, adherence to privacy and consent requirements, and a non-punitive culture that encourages open discussion and learning.

Benefits include improved clinical or professional practice, identification of system issues, and enhanced training; limitations include potential bias, resource requirements, and variability in participation and implementation.