CAse STudy in public health and medicine related to Disasters (CAST-D): A consensus-based reporting guideline
Abstract
Background: Case studies are a critical research method for capturing lessons learned from disasters. Unlike standard clinical case reports, disaster-related case studies encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from micro-level cases with clinical or public health implications to meso-level organizational or community responses and macro-level national policies. Currently, no consensus-based reporting guideline specifically addresses this diverse range, within the context of disaster response, recovery, preparedness, and management.
Methods:: The case studies in public health and medicine related to Disasters (CAST-D) guideline was developed according to the EQUATOR Network guidelines. Drawing on a prior systematic search and review of disaster-related case studies, existing reporting gaps were identified. Subsequently, a modified Delphi process was used to generate and refine checklist items. The Delphi panel comprised 25 experts from six continents (Japan, USA, UK, Australia, Ethiopia, Argentina, Brazil, France, and Ghana), recruited through purposive sampling via professional networks. Two survey rounds were completed between December 2024 and June 2025. Consensus through both agreement and non-disagreement was defined using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM). The CAST-D short version was developed using a higher consensus threshold for use in short articles or conference abstracts. The final item list was confirmed in January 2026.
Findings:: The CAST-D checklist…
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