The case for case histories.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper is to provide background to the 'case history' requirement of the RANZCP examinations, and assist trainees preparing these histories.

CONCLUSION

The case histories provide the only opportunity in psychiatric training for assessment of the capacity to write professionally and to prepare a sophisticated formulation, important aspects of any medico-legal report. Recent public debate regarding declining standards of literacy highlights public concerns about written communication. Retaining the case histories demonstrates that the College's commitment to ensuring high standards of written communication remains a cornerstone of the practice of psychiatry in Australasia. The histories provide a vital learning ground for trainees in preparing themselves to be competent psychiatrists. In order to improve trainees' preparation in submitting case histories, examiners' advice is provided.