Workshop on Medical Writing and Publication Bangladesh Society of Medicine Dhaka, Bangladesh 10–14 December 2011

Other Types of Writing for Medical Journals: A Brief Overview Barbara Gastel, MD, MPH Texas A&M University

Topics Review Articles Editorials Letters to the Editor Essays Some Other Types of Writing

An Analogy An issue of a journal: like a meal Reports of original research: main dishes Other types of article: other dishes Having a variety of dishes makes a meal nutritious, balanced, and appealing

Review Articles

Definition of review article: an article summarizing and synthesizing the literature on a topic or question Popularity Audiences and uses –Physicians and other health professionals: –Students: –Researchers:

Main Types of Review Articles Descriptive –Traditional type of review article –Summarizes knowledge on various aspects of a topic (for example, a disease) –Resembles a book chapter Evaluative: for example, systematic review article –Focuses on a relatively narrow question –Follows a specified protocol –Structure: similar to IMRAD format

A Few Pointers Consult the journal beforehand. Review the literature in an organized way. Seriously consider obtaining help from a librarian. Keep good records. Be selective in which articles to cite. Integrate; do not merely catalog. Perhaps identify areas for further research. Write readably. Consider including figures or tables. Make sure that references are accurate.

Editorials

Main types –Perspective editorial: provides context for a report of original research –Persuasive editorial: supports a specific point of view Author: one of the editors or someone invited by the editors A related type of article: “sounding board” or such (unsolicited)

A Few Pointers Base opinions on evidence. In deciding what to say and how to say it, consider the backgrounds and attitudes of readers. Be focused. Make clear what the main points are. Structure the piece effectively. Write readably.

Letters to the Editor

Functions: –“Post-publication peer review” –Other A resource: “Correspondence Course: Tips for Getting a Letter Published in JAMA” by Robert M. Golub (JAMA 2008;300:98-99)

A Few Pointers If commenting on an article, submit the letter promptly. Follow the journal’s instructions, for example regarding length. Focus on one point or a very few points. Organize the letter simply. Write clearly and concisely. Avoid sarcasm.

Essays

May address, for example, aspects of being a physician Often are narratives Some guest-essay sections of journals: –“A Piece of My Mind” in JAMA –“On Being a Doctor” in Annals of Internal Medicine

A Few Pointers Read the instructions, if any. Begin and end the essay strongly. Provide an insight. Don’t just complain. Show rather than tell. Balance the distinctive and the universal. Show drafts to others and get their feedback. Revise, revise, revise.

Other

Other Types of Articles That Sometimes Appear in Journals Case reports Book and other reviews Medical news articles Items to share with the public (for example, JAMA patient pages) Other