Doug Elliott Professor, Critical Care Nursing The final step: Presentation and publication Research Workshop: Conducting research in a clinical setting.

Doug ElliottDoug Elliott

Professor, Critical CareProfessor, Critical Care NursingNursing

The final step: The final step:

Presentation and publicationPresentation and publication

Research Workshop:

‘Conducting research in a clinical setting’

Academic Writing

• HREC proposals

• Grant applications

• Abstract / conference presentation

• Refereed journal article

• Book chapter

Abstract writing

• Plan ahead

• Follow conference guidelines

• Word limit

• Structure

• Write to ‘grab’ reviewers’ attention

• Write as a complete stand-alone paper

• Include results & discussion

• Use a ‘critical friend’ to review

Principles of presenting

• Preparation• Know your material• Rehearse / timing

• Components• Introduction• Body• Conclusion

• Presentation dynamics• AV aids

Presentation dynamics

• Exhibit enthusiasm, confidence & knowledge

• Positive use of voice, gestures & eye contact

• Keep to time

• Encourage active participation

• Use questions to elaborate

So you want to write a journal article?

Are you:

• motivated for a long-term project?

• tenacious?

Do you believe you have something important to say?

Sole or joint authorship?

Publication ‘pipeline’

In press

revision

Under review

For submission

In preparation

Writing for Nursing Journals

Three stages of Writing:

1. Preparing and Focussing

2. Writing and Submitting

3. Responding to Reviewer Feedback and

Re-Submitting

Preparing and Focussing

Peer-reviewing

• Selecting journals to be a peer-reviewer

• Enhancing reviewing skills improves writing

skills … exposure to:

• other writers

• manuscripts in areas of interest

• editors / journals & publishing process

Preparing and Focussing Selecting a Topic

• Identify a question or topic of interest

• Keywords?

• Is there a gap in the literature?

• What activities could translate to an

article?

Preparing and Focussing

Selecting a writing team

• Individual?

• Team?

• Work colleague(s)

• Professional colleague(s)

• Student

• Multi-disciplinary?

Preparing and Focussing

Selecting a Style of Paper

• Review paper (narrative; systematic)

• Research paper

• Scholarly paper

• Clinical report

Preparing and Focussing

Selecting a Journal

• Match manuscript topic, approach & target

audience to journal

• Ask colleagues

• Review scope and focus of Journal (s):

• Review previous issues

• Style / type of papers published

• Consider writing to the Editor to test interest

Writing and Submitting Structuring the workStructuring the work

Consider:

• Content

• Format

• structure, sections, flow

• reference format / author orientation

• Timelines

• Delegation of tasks / sections

Writing and Submitting Developing the workDeveloping the work

• Title – concise, descriptive, reflective• Draft an outline of the paper for direction• Attract and maintain reader’s attention

• State purpose early• Comprehensive, concise background• Simple sentence structure• Content linkages between sentences and between

paragraphs• Maintain original intent throughout the paper• Abstract – self-contained, key words

Preparing and Focussing Author Orientation

Allocating author prominence (style) is influenced by:

• the conventions of the discipline

• the conventions of the reference style

• the degree of importance attached to the author (“guru”)

• for variety in writing

• ‘strong’, ‘weak’, ‘no’ orientation

Writing and Submitting Refining the workRefining the work

• Progressive refinement through multiple

drafts

• Self-edit

• Use a ‘critical friend’ to improve quality

• Use a ‘publication syndicate’ review

• Aim for ‘clarity and eloquence’

Writing and SubmittingSubmittingSubmitting

Ensure all journal requirements are followed:

• format for submission

• assignment of copyright

• number of copies

• electronic versions

Writing and SubmittingWaiting for Feedback

• Journal may send an acknowledgement of

receipt

• Check for stated timeframes for review

• Follow-up with the Editor after that period

• Start another writing project!

Responding and Re-submitting

Accepting comments

• Reviewer comments relate to the paper,

not you as a person ...

… (attempt) to be dispassionate

• You are almost there –

DO NOT GIVE UP!

Responding and Re-submitting

Reacting

• Respond to each issue …

• either defend your position

• or modify the text to comply

• Follow Editor’s instructions

• Re-submit in a timely fashion

• Final acceptance / reviewing proofs?

Publication!

• In-print

• Enjoy the moment

• you’ll want to do it again

Good Luck!