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== Anecdote ==

'''Anecdote''' (/ˈanɪkdoʊt/) is a term often used in the field of [[medicine]] and [[healthcare]] to describe a short, interesting or amusing story about a real incident or person. 

=== Etymology ===

The term 'anecdote' originates from the Greek word 'anekdota', which means 'things unpublished'. It was first used in English in the late 17th century.

=== Definition ===

In a medical context, an anecdote often refers to a patient's personal account or experience with a particular [[disease]] or [[treatment]]. These stories can provide valuable insights into the effects and side effects of treatments, the progression of diseases, and the impact of various health conditions on patients' lives. However, they are typically considered less reliable than data from controlled [[clinical trials]] or [[epidemiological studies]], as they are based on individual experiences and may not be representative of the general population.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Case report]]: A detailed report of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. Case reports often contain a demographic profile of the patient but usually describe an unusual or novel occurrence.

* [[Patient narrative]]: A patient's personal story or account of their health journey, including their experiences with illness, treatment, and healthcare providers.

* [[Clinical trial]]: A research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease.

* [[Epidemiological study]]: A study that looks at how often, why, and where disease occurs and spreads in a group of people.

[[Category:Medical Terminology]]
[[Category:Healthcare]]
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