The Human Givens Institute
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<< Main ethics policy menu The HGI ethics and complaints committee >> Guidelines on the writing and use of case studies Introduction Recently, in some areas of psychotherapeutic/psychiatric practice such have been the constraints placed on the publication of case studies that, on the grounds of protecting client identity, their use has all but died out. One commentator recently described those case studies that continue to be produced in the above climate as “bland and anaemic” (1). It is argued by some opponents of case studies that it is preferable to focus on the reporting the results of scientific research rather than on the results of individual cases. However, as one advocate of case studies has pointed out, it is the case histories of 100 years ago that we remember today — “Anna O” being a case in point — rather than the science of the day, which is now seen as at least partly spurious (2). The Human Givens Institute believes that, given the value of the case study, its use should be encouraged rather than constrained. Notes: 1. All in the Mind, BBC Radio 4, April 2007. 2. Ibid. In general, human givens practitioners produce case studies to reflect successful treatments and publish these to illustrate the approach used and the outcome for the benefit of colleagues. Alternatively and equally valuable are accounts of therapy which have not succeeded These kinds of case studies can be defined as narrative case studies (or case histories) where the content is presented as events in an unfolding plot with participants (patient, therapist, significant others) and actions (presenting situation, treatment, outcome, etc). Case studies are seen by the Human Givens Institute as valuable teaching tools in the context of courses of study, etc. Their purpose is to illustrate the successful application, or otherwise, of a therapeutic technique or approach. Case studies should include:
The Ethical Dimension: 1. Informed Consent On the Client Record Form signed by each client before treatment) and in an information leaflet, this statement is included: “Therapists are expected to discuss some case situations in supervision or in anonymised published case studies. This will be in accordance with HGI policies on confidentiality, supervision and case studies. The purpose is to improve practice and extend knowledge. Please indicate your consent, Yes/No, to the possibility of your case being discussed in an anonymised way. Either way it will not affect your treatment”. 2. The Protection of Patient Identity It is of paramount importance that the identity of patients who are the subject of case study reports is protected. The following guidelines and examples are to be observed by those writing and publishing case studies. Whilst some of these will be familiar precautions, others may be less obvious.
In addition, where it is considered appropriate for the further protection of identity:
3. Clean Intentions The Human Givens Institute suggests that therapists carefully examine their motives and intentions before producing case studies for publication. For example they should ask themselves the following question as it relates to their own needs:
Also apply the ‘Can you look them in the face?' test:
Example of a Suitably Adapted Case Study Scenario (necessarily fictitious for these purposes, but intended to represent an actual case) Rob, a 32 year old retail manager is mugged whilst using his debit card to withdraw cash from the ATM at his local bank in Wigan last June. As a result he suffers severe PTSD symptoms (avoidance of banks, intrusive feelings and thoughts, angry outburst, etc) and time off work which is leading to problems with his employer. In addition, his relationship with his 30 year old wife, Sylvia, a dental hygienist at a local practice, is being put under considerable strain. Rob's relationship with his six-year-old twin sons Alan and David is being adversely affected. Description of treatment and successful outcome along the same lines. Case Study (derived from the above scenario and designed to protect client identity) Alison, in her thirties and a mother of two, is mugged in broad daylight on her way to the post office. As a result she suffers severe PTSD symptoms (avoidance of the local shops, including the post office, intrusive feelings and thoughts, angry outburst, etc) and time off work which is leading to problems with her employers. In addition, her relationship with her husband, John is being put under considerable strain. In addition, she is finding it difficult to deal with her daughters because of the angry outbursts. Description of treatment and successful outcome along the same lines. The HGI ethics and complaints committee >>
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