Manuscript Requirements

Types of Articles Accepted:

Top (Follow links for more detailed descriptions of each type):

  • Case Studies: Case Reports are an in-depth study of one individual. Case Series are reports involving more than 1 and no more than 5 patients of a similar situation. A prospective case study involves following an individual over time and observing outcomes whereas a retrospective case study involves looking at historical information on the individual to determine if there is a presence of risk factors that may have contributed to the outcome of interest. Case reports should include a critical review of relevant literature including search strategies used, description of case and its uniqueness in context to the literature review presentation of different clinical outcomes and management strategies where applicable, and implications for clinical practice.

Manuscript Limits:

  1. Total Length: up to 1000 words (excluding abstract, illustrations, and references)
  2. Abstract Length: up to 150 words
  3. Table/Figure Limits: up to 3 tables and figures
  4. Bulleted Learning Points: minimum of 3 required, maximum of 6
  5. References: up to 15 references

  • Original Research: Original research presents a full description of investigator-initiated research that has been conducted and resulted in reportable findings. A range of types of research are acceptable including basic science and clinical research such as clinical trials and health services research. The work is meant to be a culmination of information that is important to the field and would contribute new data, new ways of approaching a problem, or a change in the previous understanding of a disease process. The manuscript details the hypothesis, background and significance, methods, results, discussion, and implications for clinical practice.

Manuscript Limits:

  1. Total Length: 3000-4000 words (excluding abstract, illustrations, and references)
  2. Abstract Length: 250-300 words
  3. Table/Figure Limits: up to 8 tables and figures
  4. References: up to 100 references

  • Reflections: Reflections are articles written about a particular topic in medicine or science that has had a profound impact, is controversial, or is an emerging new concept or approach to medical science and care. They can be conceptual and are intended to introduce a fresh perspective that generates thought and dialogue and contributes to sustaining the relevance of medicine and medical scholarship to current issues. Reflections are relatively unstructured but should clearly indicate the topic or thesis being addressed, its significance, and supporting background information; present a cogent argument for the author’s position; and identify implications and recommendations for change or action. In addition, artistic pieces may be submitted under this type of article such as original poetry or short stories.

Manuscript Limits

  1. Total Length: up to 1500 words (excluding abstract, illustrations, and references)
  2. Abstract Length: up to 150 words
  3. Table/Figure Limits: up to 3 tables and figures
  4. References: up to 30 references
  • Brief Report: Brief reports are similar to original research in that they follow the same rigor, format and guidelines, but are designed for small-scale research or research that is in early stages of development. These may include preliminary studies that utilize a simple research design or a small sample size and that have produced limited pilot data and initial findings that indicate need for further investigation.  Brief reports are much shorter than manuscripts associated with a more advanced, larger-scale research project.  They are not meant to be used for a short version of an article about research that would otherwise qualify for a full original research manuscript or for publishing material on research that lacks significance, is not rigorous or, if expanded, would not qualify for a full research study or article.

Manuscript Limits:

  1. Total Length: up to 1500 words (excluding abstract, illustrations, and references)
  2. Abstract Length: up to 150 words
  3. Table/Figure Limits: up to 3 tables and figures
  4. References: up to 40 references

  • Reviews: Reviews are articles that distill the most significant current scientific literature on a given topic into a concise report in order to summarize current knowledge of the topic, including gaps in knowledge and future directions. The review should provide a detailed description of previous work, current guidelines or knowledge, the most recent research findings, and implications for practice, policy, and additional research. Reviews can be systematic/meta-analyses, or narrative reviews. Systematic reviews follow a standard, rigorous methodology for data collection and analyses. A detailed explanation of the specific methods used should be described in the manuscript. Narrative reviews do not utilize a standardized methodology but whatever method is used should be clearly explained as well as a clear argument for the review’s significance, critical descriptions of the literature presented, a summary of the current state of knowledge, conclusions, and implications.

Manuscript Limits:

  1. Total Length: 3000-4000 words (excluding abstract, illustrations, and references)
  2. Abstract Length: 250-300 words
  3. Table/Figure Limits: up to 8 tables/figures
  4. References: up to 100 references