Successful Scientific Writing and Publishing: A Step-by-Step Approach

Abstract

Scientific writing and publication are essential to advancing knowledge and practice in public health, but prospective authors face substantial challenges. Authors can overcome barriers, such as lack of understanding about scientific writing and the publishing process, with training and resources. The objective of this article is to provide guidance and practical recommendations to help both inexperienced and experienced authors working in public health settings to more efficiently publish the results of their work in the peer-reviewed literature. We include an overview of basic scientific writing principles, a detailed description of the sections of an original research article, and practical recommendations for selecting a journal and responding to peer review comments. The overall approach and strategies presented are intended to contribute to individual career development while also increasing the external validity of published literature and promoting quality public health science.

Most common mistakes when writing medical original articles

“…The method section represents the experimental foundation of the manuscript, 1 since it describe the process by means of which the research was conducted, provides information and specific details for the study be reproduced under the same working conditions. 18 Its writing is always in simple past tense. 21,22 Errors that are often observed in its drafting originate since the conceptualization of the study design; these errors are: 2,9,10,15,16,20,23 -The type of study is not indicated.…”

“…The introduction defines the importance and relevance of the study and establishes its rationale by means of a critical and current bibliographic analysis, in addition to determining the purpose of the research. 2,18 It should be written in present tense for currently accepted findings and in past tense to describe previously used methods in other articles and for statements that are no longer considered true. 21 Most common errors in its drafting are: 2,15,17,18 -Extension problems, exceeding 15 % of the article.…”

“…Once the journal has been identified, authors should read and adhere to editorial standards, an issue that, despite being obvious, is not always considered. 18,19 Owing to the need to encourage and strengthen scientific writing skills in specialists and doctors in training, the purpose of this paper is to point out the most common mistakes when writing original manuscripts to be published in specialized medical journals. Below, said errors are indicated according to the different sections that make up research articles.…”

Errores más comunes al redactar artículos médicos originales

“…La introducción delimita la importancia y pertinencia del estudio y establece su justificación mediante un análisis bibliográfico crítico y actual, en ella se determina el objetivo de la investigación. 2,18 Debe ser redactada en presente para hallazgos actualmente aceptados y en pasado para describir métodos previamente utilizados en otros artículos y declaraciones que ya no son consideradas verdaderas. 21…”

“…Una vez identificada la revista, los autores deben leer y apegarse a las normas editoriales, aspecto que, a pesar de resultar obvio, no siempre es considerado. 18,19 Debido a la necesidad de fomentar y fortalecer las habilidades de redacción científica en médicos especialistas y en formación, el objetivo de este escrito es señalar los errores más comunes al redactar manuscritos originales para ser publicados en revistas médicas especializadas. A continuación, se señalan dichos errores de acuerdo con las diferentes secciones que componen los artículos de investigación.…”