Rudiments of Writing for Scientific Publication

Background

Publication in scientific journals is a burning issue in different parts of the world. In the field of medical academics, publication of research work is an important landmark [1]. Research involves carrying out scientific systematic investigation in a bid to unravel new facts or get additional information required to address specific problems [2].

The major aim of research is to advance knowledge and fill in gaps in the literature. As desirable as research is it is only useful if the findings of the research are disseminated and shared with others. Research findings can be disseminated in different forms. Communication of research findings could be through oral presentation in scientific meetings conferences or presentation in a written format known as publication. The main types of publication are thesis or dissertation, book or monograph and journal articles.

When a researcher decides to conduct a study, it is imperative to write and publish the findings of the study. Michael Faraday, a physicist declared as stated “work, finish, and publish [3]. There is no need starting any research work you do not intend to finish. You should also not finish any work that you will not publish as this would amount to waste of resources and precious time.

Publication of research work is advantageous. Some of the advantages of medical publication include the following: a) Generation of knowledge which will promote the practice of medicine. b) Findings of the studies will be subjected to close scrutiny by other researchers thus useful suggestions would be made along the line. c) Findings of studies may change mode of existing medial practice Opinion d) It also promotes networking among researchers. e) Researchers also need publication for their promotion. Publish or perish in the field of academics has become a necessary evil. In writing for scientific publication, the author(s) should be able to answer some basic questions [1]. These questions are as stated below:-

1. Why did we start?
2. What did we find?
3. What does it mean?

The above stated facts form the rationalle for introduction, methods, results and discussion in the format “IMRAD” used in scientific publication [4]. Thus in carrying out research work for publication there is need for adequate planning. The scientific paper, editorial or review article should have a clear message [5]. The potential readers should also be considered with major emphasis on their areas of interest. It is important to plan the different sections of the article very well. Author(s) must also study the requirements of target journal very well so as to comply with the guidelines for publication. The target journal may be chosen before commencement of writing [5]. It is also pertinent to attribute information, ideas, photographs and other materials used for publication to the original sources so as to avoid plagiarism [6, 7]. There must be truthful and explicit presentation of findings taking ethical issues into consideration [8].

Getting articles published in qualitative journals is not an easy task. In view of this fact, this article was designed to give the necessary hints on how research work can be published without much difficulty. The issue of authorship and the contribution of the authors should be clearly spelt out and agreed upon before commencement of the work.

Types of Scientific Publication

There are different types of scholarly literature. The ones based on original research work are grouped as primary literature while those based on published work are described as secondary literature. The types of scientific publication are as listed below: A. Original Research: These are studies which report original research and are grouped as primary literature.

B. Review Article: Etails critical and constructive analysis of published literature on a particular subject matter. It is considered a secondary literature as new data are not generated. Recommendations are made for future research. 9 Review articles can be broadly classified into literature review, systematic review and meta-analysis.

C. Clinical Case Study: This presents into details patients’ cases in clinical practice. It usually discusses the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of the clinical condition. 9 Clinical case studies require a lot of practical experience and are considered as primary literature.

D. Clinical Trial: This describes the methodology, implementation and results of controlled studies usually done with large patients groups. High standard of ethics and reliability are usually required.

E. Perspectives, Opinion and Commentary: Perspectives refer to personal point of view critiquing widespread notion on subject matter [9]. Opinion articles represent view point of the author(s) on a particular study. Commentaries are short articles that draw attention or present criticism of previously published article, book or report.

F. Book Review: Provides opinion on recently published books.

Order of Writing

There is need for adequate planning. Author(s) should keep in view the guidelines of the journal they desire to publish so as to comply with the laid down format.

Conclusion

Writing and publication of research work should not be a difficult process. Practice makes perfect. Ensure that you are scientific in your approach and aim for simplicity in your style.

Recommendations

a) Be more computers friendly b) Update your knowledge of bioethics and bio-medical research c) Form journal clubs d) Interact with statisticians e) Have a mentor/supervisor f) Encourage collaboration/multiple authorship g) Obtain guidelines of institutional health research committee h) Obtain a copy of national code for health research in Nigeria i) Keep a record of your manuscripts under review j) Keep a record of your published work k) Have a backup for your data l) Time to start is now