Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

5
452 Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors Physiotherapy is the official journal of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Its customary functions are to inform, instruct and comment, to be the primary archive of the profession, and to provide a credible and authoritative outlet for original papers about all aspects of physiotherapy into the literature of health care. Physiotherapy is dedicated to the advancement of the principles and practice of physiotherapy through critical review and publication of research and scholarly work relating to its scientific basis and clinical application, to the education and training of its practitioners, and to the provision and management of physiotherapy services. The principles and paradigms of physiotherapy are in the process of being verified and legitimate controversy is characteristic of areas of practice in which a consensus is not yet established. Therefore, Physiotherapy is also an outlet for speculative theories and a forum for ideas that challenge custom and practice. Policy is made by the Journal Committee, a standing committee of the Council of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, of which the executive editor and the scientific editor are officers. The scientific editor has responsibility for the clinical, scientific and technical content of Physiotherapy and for maintaining standards. She will consider for peer review papers which fit one of the manuscript types listed here and which conform to the guide lines for presentation. She reserves the right to reject without review any manuscript that does not fit these criteria. Review may be open or blind depending on the type of manuscript. Open review assumes that the papers are written by acknowledged experts either by nominating themselves or at the invitation of the scientific editor. Consequently, the identity and qualificationsof the authors play a role in determining whether or not the papers are acceptable. For other papers, the identities of authors will be kept confidential from reviewers. Reviewers are selected by the scientific editor on the basis of their expertise. Their identities will be kept confidential from authors and a complete list of all reviewers will be published for each volume of Physiotherapystarting with volume 78. The integrity of the Journal is dependent on their unbiased critical evaluation and the ability to respond to the need to communicate swiftly. A turn-aroundtime is aimed at of four to six weeks between receipt of a manuscript and informing an author of the outcome of review. Consequently, reappointment of reviewers depends on whether they fulfil their responsibilities in a timely, as well as effective, manner. Anyone may propose herself or himself as a reviewer by sending a brief CV which supports a claim to expertise in a particular clinical, theoretical, educational, management or other area relevant to the content of papers published in Physiotherapy. Authors may suggest possible reviewers who have particular expertise related to the content of their papers. Even if the scientific editor does not invite a nominee to review that particular paper, they will be followed up as potential reviewers for other papers in the same area. Most manuscripts require some revision. The scientific and executive editors reserve the right to edit copy when minor revisions are required to ensure consistency, but not rigidity, of style. When more extensive revisions are required, both the manuscript and reviewers’ suggestions will be returned to the author. Peer Reviewed Articles Scientific and Academic Articles Reseatch report: A report which permits examination of the method and argument of research which has been organised and conducted in a disciplined and systematic way using any method or design (qualitative or quantitative approaches, single-subject or group designs, etc). References: Pertinent, up to date and adequate to support arguments and suppositions. Excessive use of references should be avoided. Reviewing: Blind; two reviewers plus scientific editor. Scholarly paper: A descriptive paper which addresses professional, educational, clinical and research issues which may be expounded from a specific theoretical, conceptual or practical perspective. This excludes unsubstantiated personal perspectives, which should be submitted as either ’Forum’ commentariesor letters to the editor. References: Extensive enough to support opinions. Reviewing: Open; two reviewers plus scientific editor. Review paper: A critical appraisal of primary source material on a specific topic which may or may not be linked to a particular theoretical, political or conceptual view. This covers literature reviews from theses and dissertations so long as, in this case, the theoretical or conceptual perspective is explicit. References: Comprehensive. Reviewing: Open; two reviewers plus scientific editor. Clinical Articles Treatment report: A report of the treatment of a patient or a series of patientswhich provides new insights into the application of techniques or the treatment of individuals with particular problems. References: Minimal and bibliographic,as a list for further reading. Reviewing: Blind; two reviewers plus scientific editor. Management report: A report of audit or any management issue which gives new insight into implementation of policy. References: Minimal and bibliographic, as a list for further reading. Reviewing: Blind; two reviewers plus scientific editor. Physiotherapy, July 1994, vol80, no 7

Transcript of Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

Page 1: Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

452

Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

Physiotherapy is the official journal of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Its customary functions are to inform, instruct and comment, to be the primary archive of the profession, and to provide a credible and authoritative outlet for original papers about all aspects of physiotherapy into the literature of health care.

Physiotherapy is dedicated to the advancement of the principles and practice of physiotherapy through critical review and publication of research and scholarly work relating to its scientific basis and clinical application, to the education and training of its practitioners, and to the provision and management of physiotherapy services.

The principles and paradigms of physiotherapy are in the process of being verified and legitimate controversy is characteristic of areas of practice in which a consensus is not yet established. Therefore, Physiotherapy is also an outlet for speculative theories and a forum for ideas that challenge custom and practice.

Policy is made by the Journal Committee, a standing committee of the Council of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, of which the executive editor and the scientific editor are officers. The scientific editor has responsibility for the clinical, scientific and technical content of Physiotherapy and for maintaining standards. She will consider for peer review papers which fit one of the manuscript types listed here and which conform to the guide lines for presentation. She reserves the right to reject without review any manuscript that does not fit these criteria.

Review may be open or blind depending on the type of manuscript. Open review assumes that the papers are written by acknowledged experts either by nominating themselves or at the invitation of the scientific editor. Consequently, the identity and qualifications of the authors play a role in determining whether or not the papers are acceptable. For other papers, the identities of authors will be kept confidential from reviewers.

Reviewers are selected by the scientific editor on the basis of their expertise. Their identities will be kept confidential from authors and a complete list of all reviewers will be published for each volume of Physiotherapystarting with volume 78. The integrity of the Journal is dependent on their unbiased critical evaluation and the ability to respond to the need to communicate swiftly. A turn-around time is aimed at of four to six weeks between receipt of a manuscript and informing an author of the outcome of review. Consequently, reappointment of reviewers depends on whether they fulfil their responsibilities in a timely, as well as effective, manner. Anyone may propose herself or himself as a reviewer by sending a brief CV which supports a claim to expertise in a particular clinical, theoretical, educational, management or other area relevant to the content of papers published in Physiotherapy. Authors may suggest possible reviewers who have particular expertise related to the content of their papers. Even if the scientific editor does not invite a nominee to review that particular paper, they will be

followed up as potential reviewers for other papers in the same area.

Most manuscripts require some revision. The scientific and executive editors reserve the right to edit copy when minor revisions are required to ensure consistency, but not rigidity, of style. When more extensive revisions are required, both the manuscript and reviewers’ suggestions will be returned to the author.

Peer Reviewed Articles Scientific and Academic Articles Reseatch report: A report which permits examination of the method and argument of research which has been organised and conducted in a disciplined and systematic way using any method or design (qualitative or quantitative approaches, single-subject or group designs, etc).

References: Pertinent, up to date and adequate to support arguments and suppositions. Excessive use of references should be avoided.

Reviewing: Blind; two reviewers plus scientific editor.

Scholarly paper: A descriptive paper which addresses professional, educational, clinical and research issues which may be expounded from a specific theoretical, conceptual or practical perspective. This excludes unsubstantiated personal perspectives, which should be submitted as either ’Forum’ commentaries or letters to the editor.

References: Extensive enough to support opinions.

Reviewing: Open; two reviewers plus scientific editor.

Review paper: A critical appraisal of primary source material on a specific topic which may or may not be linked to a particular theoretical, political or conceptual view. This covers literature reviews from theses and dissertations so long as, in this case, the theoretical or conceptual perspective is explicit.

References: Comprehensive.

Reviewing: Open; two reviewers plus scientific editor.

Clinical Articles Treatment report: A report of the treatment of a patient or a series of patients which provides new insights into the application of techniques or the treatment of individuals with particular problems.

References: Minimal and bibliographic, as a list for further reading.

Reviewing: Blind; two reviewers plus scientific editor.

Management report: A report of audit or any management issue which gives new insight into implementation of policy.

References: Minimal and bibliographic, as a list for further reading.

Reviewing: Blind; two reviewers plus scientific editor.

Physiotherapy, July 1994, vol80, no 7

Page 2: Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

453

Technical evaluation: A description of a mechanical or technological device used in assessment, treatment, management or education, including specifications and summary evaluation.

References: Minimal.

Reviewing: Blind; two reviewers plus scientific editor.

Internally Reviewed Articles Forum articles: Articles up to 1,500 words which bring clinical, professional, educational, political or legal matters and their implications to the attention of readers. Personal perspective is the characteristic of these articles and they are a means of identifying controversial issues, presenting a view and opening debate.

Focus articles: Articles up to 1,500 words which focus on clinical, professional, educational, political or legal matters of contemporary interest and present the issues and implications factually and objectively.

‘How to . , . ’ articles: Short instructive articles which advise readers about designing research, applying a statistical test, using a management strategy, writing for publication and similar activities.

Other Types of Editorial Material Preliminary reports: Articles of 700-800 words structured like a research report and announcing preliminary results of on-going research.

Professional and historical notes: Articles of 250-1,000 words which illuminate and colour the establishment and development of the profession. These may summarise the lives and careers of recently deceased physiotherapists or be ‘thumb-nail sketches’ of more historical characters (not necessarily physiotherapists) who have made a contribution to physiotherapy. Authors who think they have an interesting historical topic are advised to consult the scientific editor before they write it up.

Letters to the editor: These can be about any issue pertinent to current practice, on any topic relevant to physiotherapists or physiotherapy, or in response to any article published in the Journal. The Journal Committee has final responsibility for deciding which letters will be published. In the case of comment about published articles, letters must be received within two months of publication of the article. Wherever appropriate and possible, they will be printed with a response by the author of the article.

Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and preferably shorter. Longer items may be suitable for the ‘Forum’ category (see below).

Reviews of books, software and videos: Critical appraisals of commercially published material of interest to physiotherapists which is made available for review by the publishers, suppliers or other agents. Persons invited to review any material should declare if they have contributed to it in any way. A more detailed paper of guidance for book reviewers is available on request from the Journal office. Anyone wishing to submit an unsolicited review should check with the executive editor that an assessment of the same item has not already been commissioned.

Abstracts of articles published in other journals: Unsolicited abstracts will not normally be accepted but individuals may promote themselves as monitors and abstracters of journals of other health care and related professions and of non-English language physiotherapy journals which are not easily accessible to British physiotherapists.

Abstracts of theses and dissertations: Abstracts not exceeding 200 words which will usually have appeared as the first page of a doctoral thesis or master’s dissertation, In other journals: Any reader who has written or seen a useful article in a publication not usually read by physiotherapists is invited to submit brief details - see any issue of Physiotherapy for the format.

Product news: Anyone who has used a new or re- designed piece of equipment and wishes to draw it to the attention of colleagues is invited to submit a short appraisal. The CSP accepts no responsibility for these assessments and writers are not expected to have made a scientific trial - if they have, their report should be presented as a technical evaluation (see previous page).

Preparation of Editorial Material Copy should be submitted double-spaced, typed or in the highest quality printing available, on one side only of A4 paper with at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) margins all round, and with the sheets numbered consecutively.

The first page, which will be held in confidence by the scientific editor during the review process, should give: 0 The title of the article. 0 The author(s) names.

A complete name and address for correspondence. 0 Up to three relevant professional and academic

qualifications for all authors and their current positions. 0 A brief note about each author which, for research

papers, indicates their contribution to the work. 0 Any source of funds supporting the work. 0 The name of the conference if the paper is an

adaptation of a presentation. 0 A count of the number of words, including the summary

and references. (If this is not available from a word- processor, take the average of ten lines and multiply by the number of lines on a page and then the number of pages.)

Internally reviewed articles which are referenced or include figures or diagrams should comply with the instructions for presentation given for peer reviewed articles.

All Peer Reviewed Articles The title page should give: 0 The title of the paper. 0 Up to five key words from which three can be selected

to index the paper. 0 A summary of no more than 200 words which explains

the purpose and summarises the key points and conclusions and, where appropriate for research reports, summarises design, methods, findings and results.

Physiotherapy, July 1994, V O l 8 0 , no 7

Page 3: Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

454

The text should be well organised and written in simple and correct English under appropriate headings. For example, the text of research reports is usually, but not necessarily, organised under the following headings: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and Conclusions. Other types of article will need other formats. Authors should refer to previous issues of Physiotherapy and other scientific journals for examples. The positions of tables and figures should be indicated, eg

Figure 1 here

Fifteen or fewer typed pages (up to 4,000 words) including references are preferred.

References should be given in the Harvard system. In text cite only the author(s) surname(s) followed by the date of publication - eg (Robinson, 1894). Use a, b, and so on to indicate more than one publication by the same author(s) in the same year (eg 1992a, 1992b). Where there are three or more authors of a cited paper, list the first name followed by e t , eg (Smith elal, 1990).

On a separate sheet after the text all papers and books should be listed by first named author or editor in alphabetical order.

For citations from journals, give the names and initials of all authors, the year of publication (in parentheses), the title of the article, the full name of the journal (underlined), the volume number, the issue number and the first and last page numbers, eg: Brown, A, Green, B and Gold, C (1992). ‘The value of exercise’, Physiotherapy, 78, 1, 77-79.

When referring to books, give the names and initials of all authorsleditors, the year of publication (in parentheses), the title (underlined), the publisher, the place of publication, and the chapter number or the page number of the citation or both, eg: Gardner, M (1965). The Annotated Alice, Penguin Books, Harmondsworth, chap 10, page 210.

Tables should be given an appropriate title and numbered consecutively as they are referred to in the text. Only horizontal lines should be used: one above and one below the column headings and one at the foot. All abbreviations should be explained in a footnote. Tables should be placed on separate sheets after the references.

Figures should be numbered consecutively as they are referred to in the text and placed on separate sheets after the tables. The captions to all figures should be listed on one separate sheet. 0 Photographs which are black and white, 173 mm by 127 mm (7 in by 5 in) in sharp focus with good contrast are preferred. 0 Line drawings, graphs and charts should be of professional quality with sharp and clear lettering and with lines thick enough that when they are reduced for publication all details will be clearly discernible. All abbreviations should be explained in a footnote. 0 The first author’s name, the figure number and an arrow indicating the top of the figure should be given on the back of each original figure. 0 Photocopies of figures to accompany copies of the text

which will be sent to reviewers should not be labelled with names.

Appendices, consecutively numbered, may be placed after the figures for material which is essential to under- standing of the text but is not suitable for figures or tables.

Acknowledgments, if desired, may be listed on a separate sheet.

Measurements In most countries, the International System of Units (SI)

is either standard or becoming so and scientific journals in general are in the process of requiring data to be reported in SI units. As this is not yet universal and both metric and imperial units are used in the United Kingdom and the USA in different circumstances, while adoption of SI units is desirable, it is permissible for data to be reported in imperial units if they were used for the original calculations. They should be followed by the SI equivalent in parentheses. Alternatively, many people would appreciate SI measurements to be followed by imperial measurements in parentheses.

Copy r ig h t All original material submitted for publication in

Physiotherapy is understood to be offered to Physiotherapy exclusively. By submitting their work, authors are assumed to have assigned copyright to the Journal i f it is published in Physiotherapy and to have given the Journal the right to edit, revise, abridge, condense, translate and allow reprinting of their work. Authors are normally advised, as a courtesy, of any requests to reprint their articles.

Permissions Protection of subjects: Authors must either provide written permission from the patients, parents or guardians to publish photographs of recognisable individuals; or obscure facial features. For reports of research involving patients, students or other individuals, written confirmation of informed consent is required.

Reprinting of tables, figures, photographs or other illustrations: authors should either enclose notice of permission to reprint from copyright holders or provide complete source references or the names of the copyright holders so that the executive editor can obtain permission.

Submission of Articles Authors should submit three copies of articles plus, if

possible, a disc (which will be returned). Where illustrations are used, one original copy and two photocopies of each table and figure should be submitted. A covering letter from the principal author should state the type of article being submitted, release copyright, confirm that appropriate permissions have been obtained, and state what reprinting permissions are required.

Articles should be securely packaged in a heavyweight envelope with illustrations between cardboard to prevent bending and sent to: Dr A W Parry PhD MCSP DipTP, Scientific and Clinical Editor, Physiotherapy Journal, Health Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Campus, Sheffield S10 2BP.

~~ ~~~

Physiotherapy, July 1994, vol80, no 7

Page 4: Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

455

Annual Congress 1994

Celebrating the Past.. . Shaping the Future

International Convention Centre, Birmingham September 20-23,1994 JE

General Information Congress will be held in the International Convention Centre, Birmingham. This is a modern conference centre in the heart of the city which has quickly established itself as a major venue for national and international events. The centre is approximately 10-15 minutes walk from Birmingham New Street station, which has connections to the whole of the country. Birmingham has excellent road, rail and air links and has a wide range of hotel accommodation.

Congress will be celebrating the fact that 1994 is the Centenary of physiotherapy and it is hoped that as many current, retired and future members of the Society as possible will come along to support the event. If you are unable to attend the whole conference, perhaps you can support the social events, or visit the Centenary exhibition when it is in the city.

Getting to the Venue By Rail In conjunction with British Rail Intercity, the International Conference Centre is offering a 25% discount on first- class and standard rail travel to and from Birmingham. This offer is valid only for travel to and from the conference. A leaflet giving details will be sent with your booking acknowledgment. You should ensure that your booking is sent in at least ten days before the conference as it may take seven days for the tickets to be sent to you.

By Road The city is at the centre of Britain’s motorway network, with the M6, M1, M5, M42 and M40 all connecting with the city. There is abundant off-street parking available in Birmingham, in addition to the private car parks of hotels.

By Air If you are travelling by air, Birmingham Airport has connections with nearly 40 destinations, with connecting flights throughout the world. The MAGLEV transport system links the airport with Birmingham International railway station. Trains from the airport arrive into New Street Station.

Accommodation On receipt of your application form you will be sent an accommodation booking form which gives details of a wide

range of accommodation in the city. It also includes private hotels and guest houses. If you wish to book any of the accommodation listed, please complete the form and return it to the Birmingham Visitor and Convention Bureau. You will also receive a booking form for Aston University where bed and breakfast has been reserved at €18 per person per night. If none of the options appeal, please do not hesitate to contact the Birmingham Visitor and Convention Bureau (tel 021 -665 61 16) and staff will be happy to assist you.

Please note that the Events Unit is unable to make accommodation bookings or travel arrangements for you.

Annual Representative Conference Delegates attending this conference should not use this application form but should complete the form that will be sent to them in July. Please also note that the deadline for motions and nominations for representatives to the Society is now past.

Catering All catering for the exhibition will be served in the exhibition area in Hall Three. If you have any special dietary requirements please ensure that the Events Unit knows about these in advance of the conference and we will ensure that arrangements are made for you.

Conference Programme The conference programme will again feature the usual mix of Annual Representative Conference, clinical programme, keynote lectures, Founders’ lecture, Fellowship ceremony, Annual General Meeting and concurrent sessions. This year will see two slight changes to the programme in that the Annual Representative Conference will come first, and on Friday afternoon there will be a series of CSP-led workshops and presentations. These sessions will look at PR Skills, Marketing and Business Skills, Education, and IR Issues. There will also be an opportunity to hear poster authors talk on their research.

Exhibition As usual there will be a large trade exhibition to support the conference. This will take place in Hall Three and will be open from Tuesday afternoon until Friday mid- afternoon. The poster displays and welcome party will also be held in this hall.

Physiotherapy, July 1994, vol80, no 7

Page 5: Writing for Physiotherapy Guide Lines for Authors

456

Specific Interest Group Displays During June, each group was sent information on the SIG displays at Congress. Each group will be provided with a display space, covered table and two chairs. The CSP cannot supply boards. SIG personnel should be on hand to put up displays and talk on their group throughout the week. Please note that representatives staffing stands should ensure they have paid their conference registration fee.

Social Programme A full social programme complements the conference, starting on Tuesday night with a welcome party for all conference delegates in Hall Three of the Convention Centre. This will provide the ideal opportunity to register early for the conference, get your bearings in the centre, meet new friends and relax before the rigours of the conference. Those attending the Annual Representative Conference will find it a good way to unwind after a full day in the lecture theatre.

Following the welcome party there will be a disco with supper in the Midland Hotel, New Street. Tickets for this are €15.

On Wednesday, September 21, there will be a civic reception in the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry. This reception will be hosted by the Mayor of Birmingham and will provide an opportunity to view the Centenary exhibition.

The final social occasion will be the Congress dinner. This will be held in the Botanic Gardens, Birmingham. There will be a pre-dinner drinks reception among the floral displays of the gardens, followed by a four-course dinner with wine. There will be dancing after dinner, with a cash bar. Buses will be provided to take guests to and from the Botanic Gardens.

Special Needs Should you or any of your colleagues require the conference information in braille or on tape, please do not hesitate to contact the Events Unit. The conference centre is fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with other mobility problems. If members need the assistance of a helper during the conference, the helper will be admitted to the event free of charge. A signer can be provided for any of the presentations, if you let us know in advance.

Creche Facilities Anyone requiring the use of creche facilities during the conference should complete the relevant section on the application form. This is a free service and the creche will be operated by registered fully-qualified staff.

OCPPP Conference On Friday, September 23, the OCPPP will be holding its one-day autumn conference to coincide with the Annual Congress. There will be clinical lectures in the morning and business presentations in the afternoon. Further details on this conference can be obtained from Mrs Rita Puncher, OCPPP Administrative Officer (tel 0702 392124) or by ticking the box on the application form.

Golf Posturite UK will be organising a golf tournament to take place on Monday, September 19. Prizes and refreshments will be provided. You will only have to pay your green fees. If you would like further information on this, please tick the appropriate box on the application form.

Additional Information If you require any additional information at this point, please do not hesitate to contact the CSP Events Unit, at 14 Bedford Row, London WClR 4ED.

For abstracts of lectures, the full programme and the booking form please see the blue pages 477 to 492 of this issue.

~ ~ ~~

Physiotherapy, July 1994, vol80, no 7