ASPIRE CLASS 2 Writing Basics Background and Protocol

ASPIRE CLASS 2: Writing Basics: Background and Protocol Katy Trinkley, Pharm. D, BCACP Assistant Professor, University of Colorado

Outline § Research protocols § Background/introduction § Scientific writing pearls § Writing for your audience § Efficient writing § Practice

Scientific Writing Phases 1. Protocol for IRB (and grant proposal) 2. Study conduct and analysis 3. Abstract for poster presentation 4. Manuscript for publication

Research Protocol: Purpose § IRB reviews to evaluate from ethical standpoint § Guides/grounds your study conduct § Makes manuscript writing MUCH easier!

Research Protocol: Flow and key components Core Headings and Sections § Background/Introduction § Purpose/objectives § Methods – Study design, eligibility, data source(s) and collection, outcome measures, data analysis plan Specific headings/sections guided by individual project and IRB

Background/Introduction: Purpose § Explain importance § Bolster excitement and interest to readers/reviewers § Identify NEED for your study

Background/Introduction: Flow and key components Broad statement of disease in question/impact of particular topic Review of published literature regarding your topic Outline gaps in literature and why a solution is needed Research Question/Objective

Scientific Writing Pearls § Avoid obtuse or inflammatory statements § Be careful with absolute statements and conjecture § Be explicit – Avoid “it” or “they” in reference to a prior sentence § Be objective – reference primary literature when possible/applicable (not reviews) – Package inserts NOT Up. To. Date/Lexi. Comp/Micromedex

Other Scientific Writing Pearls § Write “tight” – Avoid “fluff” and unnecessary words e. g. , “that” § Use active verbs – Creates interest § Include transitions between sentences and paragraphs reviewed later when you are preparing your manuscript

Consider Your Audience § ALWAYS write simply § You are smart and likely write accordingly complex, hard to read, disengages the reader/reviewer § Use simple words – e. g. , utilize vs use § Avoid jargon

Consider Your Audience § Be consistent with terminology – e. g. , patients vs subjects; quality metric vs value-based metric § Abbreviations – minimize and use carefully § IRB protocol reviewer Likely not familiar with your field/topic

Efficient Writing: Get it on paper! Draft 1 § Don’t deliberate on each word or sentence § Put your thoughts on paper as they come to you § Use x’s for facts/data/references to be inserted later to keep your thoughts flowing § Fix grammar, spelling, word choice and sentence structure LATER

Get in Groups of Two § Sketch out the headings/sections for your research protocol – Consider your specific project and IRB § Draft your background/introduction – Efficiently – placeholders for data and references – Effectively – follow the “triangle, ” consider audience and pearls § Share your protocol outline and background with your partner – Provide constructive feedback - use the checklist

ASPIRE CLASS 2: Writing Basics: Background and Protocol Katy Trinkley, Pharm. D, BCACP Assistant Professor, University of Colorado