# Case structure

A template to document a case following the ACE methodology: context, problems, hypotheses, investigation, decisions, alternatives, outcome and reflection.

## Case context

- **Species, sex, age, size and body condition (no animal or owner name)**
  - ____________________
- **Environment, husbandry, relevant history and real constraints (time, resources, access to tests)**
  - ____________________
- **Use authorisation and anonymisation confirmed**
  - [ ] Authorisation recorded
  - [ ] Identifiers removed from text
  - [ ] Identifiers removed from images and attachments

## Problems

- **List of observed problems, separating facts from interpretations**
  - ____________________

## Hypotheses

- **Plausible hypotheses and what each would require to confirm or rule out**
  - ____________________

## Investigation

- **Tests, further information and sources consulted (with reference)**
  - ____________________
- **Cost, risk and time of each investigation step**
  - ____________________

## Reasoned decisions

- **Chosen course of action and justification, with the supporting evidence**
  - ____________________
- **Uncertainties accepted**
  - ____________________

## Alternatives

- **Other defensible courses of action and the conditions under which they would be preferable**
  - ____________________

## Outcome

- **Observed course and time frame**
  - ____________________
- **Does the outcome confirm the decision or merely coincide with it?**
  - Confirms / Coincides / Contradicts / Inconclusive

## Reflection on practice

- **What you would do differently and what needs scientific updating**
  - ____________________

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Animal Care Education · Estrutura de caso · v1.0