Non- scientific material
Original Article
This is the most important type of paper. It provides new information based on
original research. This category of paper is usually prospective and is
supported by in-depth statistical analysis. The conclusions should be
supported by the data provided in the results. Some journals subdivide this
category of paper into Major Paper and Original Report. The Major Paper is
described in this paragraph.
The Original Report is a focused description of original observations
concerning unique features of a disease or disorder. This may refer to a
previously- undescribed diagnostic finding, procedure or manifestation of a
disease. Unlike a Major Paper, the Original Report is usually retrospective
and not subject to in-depth statistical analysis. Original Articles should consist
of the following headings: structured abstract, introduction, materials and
methods, results and discussion.
Case Report
This is a description of a single case with unique features. These unique
features may consist of previously – unreported observation of a recognised
disease, the unique use of imaging or diagnostic test to reveal a disease,
previously unreported clinical condition, previously – unreported treatment in a
recognised disease, or previously – unreported complication of a procedure.
Case Reports are usually short and focused. There is often a prescribed limit
to the number of figures and references, and sometimes, also the authorship.
Case Reports should consist of the following headings: short unstructured (or
no) abstract, brief introduction, case report and discussion.
Technical Note
This is a description of a specific technique or procedure, modification of an
existing technique, or new equipment applicable to a branch of medicine.
Discussion is limited to the specific message. There is often a prescribed limit
to the number of figures and references. Technical Notes should consist of
the following headings: short unstructured (or no) abstract, brief introduction,
materials and methods, results and discussion. The materials and methods
and results sections may be combined under the heading of technique.
Pictorial Essay
This is a teaching article that relies on the quality of its images. The text is
usually limited with much of the message contained in the figure legends. The
message should however be current and practical, and does not introduce
new information. Emphasis is placed on the teaching value of the article. This
type of article usually allows a large number of figures but a limited number of
references. Pictorial Essays should consist of the following headings: short
unstructured (or no) abstract, brief introduction, optional subheadings and
optional discussion.
Review
This is a detailed analysis of recent developments on a specific topic. It
serves to highlight important points that have been previously reported in the
literature. This type of paper does not introduce new information and does not
include the author’s opinion or personal experience. A large number of
relevant references are expected. Reviews should consist of the following
headings: unstructured abstract, introduction and subheadings. Reviews are
usually invited by the editor.
Commentary
This is a short article that describes an author’s personal experience of a
specific topic. The subject may be controversial and the author’s perspective
is provided. This type of paper does not introduce new information, and
should outline the various viewpoints that exist. It may be based on a current
hot topic or may be commissioned to accompany an original paper on the
same topic. The number of references and illustrations should be limited to
support the author’s opinion. Commentaries should consist of the following
headings: unstructured (or no) abstract, introduction and subheadings.
Commentaries are usually invited by the editor.
Editorial
This may take several forms, most often: a short review or critique of original
articles accepted for publication in the same issue of the journal, brief
description of a subject that does not warrant a full review, or to draw attention
to very recent innovations or subjects of general interest to readers. The
number and types of editorials varies according to the editor’s personality.
Editorials are invited by the editor or written by the editor.
Letter to the editor
This is a short letter on any subject of interest to the journal reader, including
comments on previously- published articles. These comments should be
objective and constructive. Authors of the article commented on are usually
invited to reply. This section may be used for floating new hypotheses, and for
drawing readers’ attention to important hazards and points of interest of
relevance to clinical practice.
Others
There are many other types of papers. These depend on the mission and
style of individual journals, and contribute to the character of the individual
journal. Examples include: historical articles, works-in-progress or short
communications, special report, evidence-based practice, health policy and
practices, experimental studies, information technology, how I do it, teaching
articles, and medicine in stamps.
Non-scientific material
These contributions do not add to the scientific quality of the journal but do
add to the journal’s character. However, they serve a purpose in informing,
educating or providing light-hearted reading to the reader. Examples include;
book reviews, proceedings of scientific meetings, abstracts, obituaries,
tributes, materia non-medica, speeches, and special communications.
Summary
The basic structure of a scientific paper is summarised by the acronym
IMRAD. Being familiar with the various types of scientific papers is essential
for construction of the manuscript in the correct format. Authors submitting
their work in the most appropriate format not only maximise their material but
also enhance the chances of acceptance.
