Information For Authors

Information for Authors

This page highlights the types of articles that the journal will consider publishing. Please also review the stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in on the submission's page. Authors need to register with the journal prior to submitting or, if already registered, can simply log in and begin the five-step process.

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Pre-publication

The British Paramedic Journal requires authors to declare that their submission has not been previously published nor is it before another journal for consideration. Pre-prints (preliminary reports of work that has not been peer-reviewed) submitted to services such as medRxiv are permitted, as long as a link to any final published submission in the British Paramedic Journal is added to the pre-print. Trial pre-registrations and conference presentations including subsequent abstract publication in either the British Paramedic Journal or other journals, are also allowed.

Types of articles suitable for submission

Original Research

Original research must meet an EQUATOR Network approved reporting guideline. This includes:

Abstract: 300 words
Word count: up to 3000 words
Illustrations and tables: up to 6
References: up to 40

Literature Review

Both literature reviews and systematic reviews are suitable for submission. In either case the methods section should specify how the literature review was conducted in sufficient detail to enable a reader to replicate your strategy.

You must follow the PRISMA reporting guidelines even for non-systematic reviews

Abstract: 300 words
Word count: up to 3000 words
Illustrations and tables: up to 6
References: up to 40

Case Report

Case reports should be a maximum of 2,000 words and follow the format outlined below, which is based on the CARE guidelines. Note: case reports should be anonymised

Title: The words case report (or case study) should appear in the title along with phenomenon of greatest interest (eg, symptom, diagnosis, test, intervention)

Abstract

Introduction:

     What does this case add?

Case Presentation:    

     The main symptoms of the patient

     The main clinical findings

     The main diagnoses and interventions

     The main outcomes

Conclusion: What were the main take-home lessons from this case?

Introduction: Briefly summarise the background and context of this case report

Case presentation including:

     The main symptoms of the patient

     The main clinical findings

     The main diagnoses and interventions

     The main outcomes

     Patient characteristics

     Relevant medical, family, and psychosocial history and other pertinent co-morbidities

     The physical examination

Diagnostic focus and Assessment: Provide an assessment of the diagnostic methods and diagnostic challenges

Differential diagnosis (if appropriate)

Management/Treatment. Describe the types of interventions (e.g. procedural, pharmacological) and administration and intensity of the intervention (including dosage, strength, duration, frequency if relevant).

Follow-up and Outcomes. Please describe the clinical course of this case including:

     Important follow-up test results (positive or negative)

     Adverse and unanticipated events

Discussion. Please describe the strengths and limitations of this case report including case management, and the scientific and medical literature related to this case report. Discuss the rationale for your conclusions such as potential causation and the ways this case might be generalised to a larger population.

Patient Perspective: Whenever appropriate the patient should share their experience of their care in a narrative published within this case report or accompanying this case report.

Informed Consent: You must confirm that you have obtained consent from the patient (or legal guardian/parent) in order for your submission to be considered. In the event that the patient is deceased, permission should be sought from the patient's next of kin. 

Abstract: 300 words
Word count: up to 2000 words
Illustrations and tables: up to 6
References: up to 25

Best evidence topic

Best evidence topics (BETS) are simple, structured reviews of the current best evidence that addresses a specific research question.

To be considered for publication in the BPJ, your BET must have been successfully published on the BestBETs website.

Word count: up to 2000 words
Illustrations and tables: 1 table or figure
References: up to 25

Research methodology

In order to encourage paramedics to become involved in research, articles explaining how to conduct research and the variety of methods used in research, including their pros and cons and appropriate application, are welcomed.

Research protocols are also welcomed and will be assessed against the SPIRIT statement for trials (http://www.spirit-statement.org/), and the PRISMA statement for systematic review protcols for systematic reviews (http://prisma-statement.org/Extensions/Protocols). Protocols that have already been through a peer review process, for example as part of the funding application process, will typically only be reviewed by one of the journal editors, as long as the peer review is considered to be proportionate, independent and expert. Other protocols will usually be sent out for peer review as with other journal submissions.

Abstract: 300 words
Word count: up to 3000 words
Illustrations and tables: up to 6
References: up to 40

Clinical audits

Clinical audits should be reported using the template provided by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), where you can download from the HQIP website.
Abstract
This should be no more than 300 words and provide a brief summary of your clinical audit. It must include the following sections:

  • Background
    • Outline why this clinical audit was needed
  • Aims/objectives
    • Specify what the audit is intended to find out
  • Results
    • Report the key findings that your audit unconvered
  • Conclusion
    • Having completed the clinical audit, what recommendations are you making?

Main article

  • Background/rationale
    • Outline why this clinical audit was needed
    • Identify the setting (locality) that the clinical audit was conducted in.
  • Aim/Objectives
  • Standards/guidelines/evidence base
  • Sample
  • Data source
  • Audit type
  • Methodology including data collection methods
  • Caveat
  • Findings
  • Observations
  • Presentation/discussion
  • Recommendations
  • Learning points
  • References

Abstract: 300 words
Word count: up to 3000 words
Illustrations and tables: up to 6
References: up to 40

Service Evaluation

Service evaluation submissions should use the standard IMRAD reporting (introduction, methods, results and discussion), along with a conclusion.

Abstract: 300 words
Word count: up to 3000 words
Illustrations and tables: up to 6
References: up to 40

Letters

Letters are welcomed relating to published articles in the BPJ or on other pertinent issues directly relating to paramedic practice. Letters are not sent out for peer review but will be reviewed by members of the editorial team. If a letter is submitted in response to a published article the authors of the original article may be given the opportunity to respond.

Word count: up to 300 words
References: up to 3
No illustrations or images or tables
Number of authors: 3 maximum

Short reports

Short reports allow for presentation of: preliminary or interim results; small projects that are not appropriate for a full paper; or studies that do not fall into the other categories.

Short reports should use standard IMRAD (introduction, methods, results and discussion) format and include details of ethical approval or considerations. They are subject to the same peer review process, and will be held to the same standard, as any other accepted material.

Abstract: 300 words
Word count: up to 1500 words
Illustrations and table: up to 3

Quality improvement

Quality improvement (QI) submissions must meet an EQUATOR Network approved reporting guideline. For QI, this is the SQUIRE guideline. QI papers should use standard IMRAD (introduction, methods, results and discussion) format and include details of ethical approval or considerations.

Abstract: 300 words

Word count: up to 3000 words

Illustrations and tables: up to 6

References: up to 40

 

Professional practice

Professional practice papers critically discuss an aspect of practice, a concept or an issue clearly relevant to the paramedic profession that may not fit within the other categories accepted by the BPJ. Such papers should enhance the understanding of and contribute to the development of professional practice. Papers submitted in this category will be considered by members of the editorial board before a decision is made on sending for peer review. Criteria the editorial board will take into consideration include the relevance of the topic to the paramedic profession, the novelty of the concept discussed to the BPJ readership and how the authors have framed their paper, including writing style and drawing upon existing literature. Abstract: 300 words

Word count: up to 3000 words

Illustrations and tables: up to 6

References: up to 40