Making the best start to your research and publishing
How to write and publish a study protocol: overviewLearning outcomes:
- Understand different meanings of the term “protocol”
- Communicate the value of planned research
- Appreciate the characteristics of a good research question
- Match research questions to appropriate study designs
- Identify strengths and weaknesses of published protocols.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the importance and limitations of trial registration
- Choose the correct guideline for writing a protocol paper
- Understand the key features of ICH GCP E6 and SPIRIT guidelines for reporting clinical trial protocols
- Prepare a real clinical trial protocol for publication in a journal.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand when a research grant is needed
- Know how to prepare a grant application
- Understand the principles of grant review
- Appreciate why a research plan for funding must be based on a high quality study protocol
- Use simple language when writing the research plan.
Learning outcomes:
- How to tell the story of the study using IMRaD format
- How to use structure, style, and language to write well
- Writing in an evidence based style
- “House style” at journals
- Templates to facilitate writing and submission
- When and how to use medical writing and translation services.
Learning outcomes:
- Search published literature for appropriate references
- Pick and read relevant references to support key statements
- Cite accurately and fully, avoiding plagiarism
- Beware of web references
- Ignore or contest journal requests for “self citation”
- Follow journal advice, using Vancouver or Harvard style.