Description of setting, circumstances in which the observations were made

Description of reporter(s) and observer(s)

Age, occupation, other descriptions of healee

Description of development of problem(s), with time line

Symptoms and disabilities prior to healing treatment

Diagnosis

Clinical and laboratory studies confirming diagnosis

Conventional treatments explored, with time line, doses, durations and effects of treatments

Detailed description of healer's natural gifts, training and healer's methods of treatment

Improvements described by healee, healer, healee's physician (and other health care professionals)

Comparison of healee's course of illness with the expected untreated (by healing) course of treatment

Discussion of likelihood that factors other than healing might have contributed to the observed course of illness

Case studies are often rich in details that are sorely lacking in more formal studies. Subjective reports of relaxation or improved mood and energy levels may go unreported in formal studies. Experiences such as opening to spiritual awarenesses may be as important to healees as any change in their physical symptoms, but outside of the belief systems of many researchers.