How to Design a Medical Case Report Poster

Use a timeline as the spine

Begin with presentation and relevant history, then show investigations, assessment, intervention, follow-up, and outcome. A timeline replaces repeated chronology and connects decisions to new information. Include only details that affect interpretation or the learning point.

• Define the learning point first.
• Mark decision points.
• Separate findings from interpretation.

Apply reporting guidance selectively

The CARE framework supports completeness, but poster space still requires selection. Retain essential de-identified information, diagnostic reasoning, intervention, follow-up, adverse events, and an evidence-based discussion. Link fuller material only when permissions allow.

• Follow current conference rules.
• Cite supporting literature.
• Include required consent statements.

Repeat privacy review after export

Faces, dates, facility names, rare combinations, and image labels can identify a person after the name is gone. Apply institutional privacy and consent processes before design and have the responsible clinician approve the final PDF.

• Review image borders.
• Limit access to source files.
• Never use open links for restricted records.

A practical example

A delayed-diagnosis case can use a six-event timeline, two annotated images, a compact differential table, and one learning-point box while omitting routine daily notes.

Turn an approved case report into a clear clinical timeline

Custom design can organize chronology, approved medical images, and learning points while consent and privacy decisions remain with the clinical team.

Sources and further reading

• The CARE Guidelines: Consensus-based Clinical Case Reporting Guideline Development — EQUATOR Network
• Guidance on De-identification of Protected Health Information — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Creating clear and informative image-based figures for scientific publications — PubMed Central