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Gannett Healthcare Group
Guidelines for Authors
Updated May 15, 2008

Our magazine includes a peer-reviewed CE module on a quarterly basis. We are looking for modules that are timely, relevant, and compelling for practicing occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants. Prospective authors should be able to demonstrate their expertise in the subject matter through experience, education, or both.

The Manuscript

To be considered for continuing education, a manuscript must be authored or co-authored by a OT or OTA and must include the following items:

1. A one-sentence goal statement for the module, separate from the narrative. For example:

   The goal of this program is to provide therapists with information about the incidence, etiology, identification, and treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.

2. Three objectives, using action verbs that require readers to demonstrate their understanding of the topic. For example:

     Identify three factors that ...
     Discuss four Occupational Therapy interventions ...
     Describe two ways patients ...

3. Evidence-based information grounded in research whenever possible. If the information is from an online source, include the link in the text.

4. An introduction (lead) that packs a punch and captures the reader’s attention. If you use a case study as a lead, make it succinct and directly related to the topic. Consider the following:
   • Whenever possible, use a case study involving an actual patient, but do not use the patient’s real name. For example, "Jane Doe," but not "Mrs. X."
   • Inform the CE editor if your case study draws on a number of patient situations, i.e., if you use a "composite patient" to make your point.

5. An original, researched, referenced manuscript of about 3,200 words, written in a conversational style. (The word count is for the main text only. Do not include any sidebars, objectives, references, or exam in the word count.) If you include a sidebar (of around 150 words), the main text should be shorter, about 2,900 words.

   Manuscripts must be word-processed and double-spaced with margins of at least 1 inch. The text must provide current, advanced, testable information on clinical or professional topics relevant for practicing OTs and OTAs.

6. A complete reference list, including correct book or journal titles, dates, and page numbers, with footnoted citations in AMA style. Generally, references should not be older than three years. Try to limit references because of space constraints. Number the footnotes consecutively in the text. Once a citation has a number, it keeps it throughout the narrative, and it should correspond to the numeric order of the reference list. For examples of this style see "Reference Guidelines."

7. Twelve multiple-choice questions with four responses each, with the correct answers indicated. (See "Tips for Writing Test Questions".)

8. A resume or curriculum vitae for each author.

9. A signed author’s agreement.

10. A signed vested interest self-disclosure form.

Note: Authors must guard against plagiarism. The dictionary defines plagiarism this way: "To steal and pass off [the ideas or words of another] as one’s own: use [a created production] without crediting the source."

To avoid plagiarizing, you must credit the journal articles, books, and websites you drew information from by citing them in your reference list. If you use someone else’s exact words, put quotation marks around them as well as listing their source in your reference list.

The Submission Process

1. Before writing a word, contact James F. Ross, PT, DPT, CSCS, Occupational Therapy editor, to discuss your idea at jfross@gannetthg.com. We are looking for manuscripts that are original, practical, useful, and informative for any OT or OTA, yet innovative and entertaining. We look for topics that cover the "holes" in the literature, important subjects that have been missed or undercovered — what therapists need to know before they know they need to know it.

2. After your topic is approved, e-mail your module goal, objectives, outline, and curriculum vitae in attachments to Robert Hess, RN, PhD, Executive VP, Continuing Education at rhess@gannetthg.com, (800) 866-0919. He will review your materials, let you know whether any changes are required before you begin to write, and discuss the deadline for submission of your manuscript. Once you complete your manuscript, please e-mail it to him in an attachment, preferably in Microsoft Word.

3. Paid peer reviewers (experts in your subject matter) will rigorously review your manuscript. In three to five weeks, we will notify you about their decision. If reviews are favorable, you will be asked to revise the manuscript according to their suggestions.

4. When your manuscript is in its final version, you will receive an edited copy for your approval. The only changes you may make at that point are those related to accuracy or clarity of information.

Honorarium

Honorariums are awarded on an individual basis.

Reference Guidelines

General Rules

1. Use AMA style.

2. List footnoted citations under a "Reference" heading. Number citations consecutively in the text. Once a citation has a number, it keeps it throughout the narrative.

3. List general references not specifically cited in the text under a "Bibliography" heading.

4. Abbreviate journal names according to AMA style.

Examples of Citations

• Up to six authors, list all

  Hron G, Kollars M, Binder BR, Eichinger S, Kyrle PA. Identification of patients at low risk for recurrent venous thromboembolism by measuring thrombin generation. JAMA. 2006;296:397-402.

• More than six authors, list first three, et al.

  Carpenter C, Fischl MA, Hammer SM, et al. Antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection in 1997: updated recommendations of the international AIDS society, USA panel. JAMA. 1997;277:1962-1969.

• Books

  Sherlock S, Dooley, J. Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System. 9th ed. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc; 2001.

• Books (chapter in edited book)

  Schenk EA. Management of persons with neurological problems. In: Phipps WJ, Manahon Donovan F, Sands JK, Marek JF, Neighbors M. Medical-Surgical Nursing: Health and Illness Perspectives. 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002:1787-1865.

• CDs, Audiotapes, videotapes

  Wound Healing. [videotape]. Irvine, CA: Concept Media; 2006.

• Internet citation

  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves oncaspar for newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. FDA Website. Available at: www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ NEWS/2006/NEW01419.html. Accessed July 26, 2006.

• Dissertation or master’s thesis

  Caruso E. An Examination of Organizational Mentoring: The Case of Motorola [dissertation]. London, England: University of London; 1990.

• Newspapers

  Include author (if given), title, name of newspaper, date of newspaper, section (if applicable), and pages. Newspaper titles are not abbreviated:

  Steinmetz G. Kafka is a symbol of Prague today; also, he’s a T-shirt. Wall Street Journal. October 10, 1996; A2, A6.

• Poster

  Clawson LL. Treatment and research perspectives in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: implications for nurses. Poster presented at: American Association of Neuroscience Nurses Annual Meeting, 1997, Houston, TX

Tips for Writing Test Questions

1. Be sure the order of your questions matches the sequence information in the narrative. For example, exam question No.1 should correspond to the information that appears in the narrative first.

2. Remember that test questions should measure mastery of the objectives. After you have finished writing the test, go back to the objectives and be certain that the test includes questions that relate to each objective.

3. Make all questions multiple choice with four possible options labeled "a," "b," "c," and "d."

4. Be certain that the three incorrect options are plausible.

5. Use the same terminology in the test as in the narrative. (For example, if the narrative refers only to "hypertension," use "hypertension," not "high blood pressure.")

6. Make sure the correct option is derived directly from the narrative and clearly defensible as the best answer.

7. Avoid using words in the correct option that are also found in the stem (the first part of the question). Doing so provides "clues" to the correct answer.

8. Do not write "multiple-multiple" questions, that is, those that present a list of options, then ask the test taker to choose "I and II only," "I, II, and III," "All the above," etc.

9. Make sure that your options are not mutually exclusive. For example, if option "a" reads, "Slows the heart rate," and option "b" reads, "Increases the heart rate," these two options are mutually exclusive. The test taker can be reasonably certain that "c" and "d" are extraneous, and that either "a" or "b" is the correct answer.

10. Be sure that one or more of your options is not included in another option. For example, if option "a" reads, "Affects the heart rate," and option "b" reads, "Slows the heart rate," option "b" is actually included in option "a." Thus, if "b" is a correct response, "a" is also.

11. Avoid writing the options "None of the above" and "All of the above." Also, do not phrase questions in the negative, for example, using a phrase such as "all of the following EXCEPT."

12. Include an answer key.

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