This is one of the longest steps. When feasible it is helpful to organize a meeting of editors and advisers to discuss this collectively. These are the aims of the topic outline:
• to set limits for the article and agree on what not to include;
• to raise the questions likely to interest clinicians and patients that need to be answered;
• to determine what kind of information is needed to write the article.
You will need to distinguish clearly between what is and is not known about the topic. Box 7.3 outlines the importance of clearly separating out different types of information in an article.
Box 7.3 Avoiding a confusing mixture
A reliable and useful article should clearly separate: |
| |
Facts |
from |
hypothesis or extrapolation |
Area of knowledge |
from |
area of belief |
Scientific evidence |
from |
opinions |
Clinically relevant endpoints |
from |
surrogate endpoints |
Therapeutics |
from |
clinical pharmacology |
Results of controlled experimental trials |
from |
descriptive, non-experimental data |
It is also useful to think about negative influences on readers:
• false and preconceived ideas;
• traditional concepts;
• vulnerability to drug promotion;
• the force of habit.
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