Module Components

• Learning Activities

Topics

• Poster Presentation
• Oral Presentation
• Writing for Professional Publication
• Module 15 Self-Review

NRSG 790 - Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Module 15: Dissemination of Research

Writing for Professional Publication

One way to build knowledge based on evidence is to share research findings or clinical program outcomes. The dissemination of these findings is often a difficult final step in a project that has taken months or years to complete. While poster or presentations may provide authors with meaningful personal development and opportunities to share clinical experiences, evidence-based journals offer the opportunity for a greater impact on clinical practice.

Publication in a scholarly journal is important because the peer-review process that a conference abstract can undergo is very limited. Full publication of research findings may also allow them to be identified and incorporated more easily in systematic reviews.

Why Publish?

Graduate nursing students realize the need for nursing practice to be evidence-based, and they can play a role in generating and translating that evidence into practice. This occurs through practice development projects, completing literature reviews to find the best evidence, or carrying out the research themselves. Effective communication of findings, conclusions and recommendations for practice is essential to share that knowledge so that other providers and patients may benefit from these efforts; Furthermore, professional publications in one's area of expertise may be required for career advancement.

Writing the Clinically Based Article

Step 1: Choosing a mentor

Novice writers for professional publications often find it helpful to begin by finding a writing mentor. This is a person who has previously published, and can be trusted to provide honest guidance and feedback during the different stages of the writing process. Another approach is to work collaboratively as a member of a team with more experienced writers. The chances for successfully getting the article in print will be higher, and the confidence and mentoring gained from the experience should reinforce seeking opportunities for future writing experiences. A faculty member can often serve as a publication mentor.

Step 2: Selecting a journal

Before beginning the writing process, review the published mission statements of potential journals that describe both the content of the journal and the projected audience. It is important to be clear in the decision about the target audience from the beginning. If clinical staff who give direct patient care are the target, then a journal regularly read by those readers is the choice. However, if the intended audience is researchers, then an academic journal with a specialty focus may be more appropriate. The author guidelines usually posted on the journal's website will clarify the editor's expectations on how to present and submit an article. It may also be helpful to send a query to the editor with a summary or abstract of the article. Several query letters may be submitted at the same time, whereas the article may only be submitted to one journal at a time.

Step 3: The process of writing

Good quality writing does not come naturally. It can take a great effort to develop clear sentences and a well-organized structure. The process of writing is comparable to deliberate thinking. The first attempts are often disorganized and tentative. However, through constant revision thoughts become meaningful and more organized. If the journal provides guidelines on formatting, then by all means follow them!

Step 4: Drafting and Revising

The key elements in revising an article are consideration of the goal, attention to the projected audience, an awareness of tone and style, and a focus on the message. It is essential to define the purpose of the study or paper clearly within the first few paragraphs to emphasize the main point of and motivate the reader to continue reading. Attention should also be given to an easy-to-follow organization, persuasive use of evidence to support the problem, a clear and readable style, correct grammar, and a strong conclusion with implications for practice, education and research.

Resources for Publication

Nurse Author and Editor is an online newsletter dedicated to providing information on how to write quality manuscripts and seek publishing opportunities. Each issue contains short articles on new developments in nursing journal publishing. The website also contains a journal directory, which lists contact information and guidelines for over 250 journals.