Writing an article for publication: an open invitation

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOMES On completion of the article, the reader should be able to: • Describe the importance of writing for publication as a practitioner working in an orthopaedic setting • Begin to identify some of the barriers that may exist in making the decision to write an article for publication • Have an awareness of the necessary skills and attributes in planning and preparing an article for publication • Use the structure of this article as a basis for presenting a future article for publication to the journal • Develop a knowledge and understanding of the publishing process after the article has been submitted for publication. NMC* CATEGORIES *From April 1st 2002, the United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) for nurses, midwives, and health visitors was replaced by the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) although PREP categories have remained the same. This article will enable the reader to address PREP categories: • Care enhancement • Practice development • Education development Examples of how this may be achieved and possible evidence for the reader ’s professional profile are given throughout the article. Other ways to demonstrate your continuing professional development may be to: • Use this article as an agenda or discussion item for staff in a ward meeting to consider either individual or group writing about a practice issue you have been, or are, currently involved in • Use aspects of this article to help become more confident in writing up a piece of work or situations where you need to present your ideas to others in a formal way • Develop your own style of writing as a result of following the steps in this article, to become evidence of your own continuing professional development to maintain registration or extend your career opportunities • Approach a colleague or other significant person (perhaps in education) to support you becoming more involved in regularly preparing reports or items for discussion that might be required for practice. Keep a copy of this article together with the notes you make as evidence of completing the reflection items in the text.