Abstract
As transplant clinicians, we are daily consumers of research findings, yet we often struggle to disseminate our own clinical work. In the field of transplantation where research is rapidly evolving, many clinicians have a desire to publish their work but are limited by feelings of uncertainty including: what do I write about, where do I start and how do I do this, how do I keep moving forward, how do I stay motivated and finish? It is critically important to overcome this uncertainty. It is through the publication of new and innovative approaches to clinical care and enhancements in patient management that we advance our profession.
What do I Write About?
As clinical care has and will always be our priority as clinicians, it is paramount to write about something about which you are passionate. This topic should be relevant and innovative, yet manageable. Often a new or different slant that contributes to the transplant literature provides an opportunity for a first publication. Examples of topics include research findings from a thesis, quality improvement studies from the required transplant quality assurance performance improvement projects (QAPI), unit-based initiatives or projects, a clinical practice experience, teaching or orientation innovations, or a unique patient case study.
Where do I Start and how do I do this?
Transforming a clinical problem into a publishable product can appear daunting but is a stepwise approach. The very first thing to do is consult the existing literature. A literature review can guide our discussions with colleagues and promote research-based management approaches for patients as well as provide a basis for transforming your idea into a publishable work. Understanding the current literature will guide your project as a response to a gap in the literature or as a translation of existing knowledge that served as the impetus for your research, QAPI, or educational project. This literature will also be helpful as you identify similarities and differences regarding the results identified for your project.
The next step in writing for publication is choosing a target journal that fits your audience. For example, Progress in Transplantation publishes clinical transplantation innovations for both procurement and transplant professionals. Locate and follow the author's guidelines on your specific journal's website. The very specific directions within the author guidelines will help you develop your manuscript outline by formatting it for your specific journal. Additional published resources provide directions for content to put in each section.1,2 Remember that tables and figures are helpful in sharing important information about your project results. Finishing touches include the use of a reference program so that you can format the references per the journal guidelines. Review the final completed checklist from the author's guidelines to ensure that you have met all the instructions and criteria for the publication period and feedback.
How do I Keep Moving Forward?
The next step is to create a timeline to try and keep yourself on track. Remember, timelines are an opportunity to structure the writing process, so it does not feel overwhelming. Additionally, timelines are modifiable to provide flexibility to your busy clinical schedule. Schedule the time to write. Arrange the time in your calendar and commit to simply start writing. Do not be concerned about using full sentences or full-thought comments. Put your ideas on paper with a step-by-step approach and take advantage of your scheduled time to write. Another helpful tip is to find recently published research projects, QAPI projects, or case studies from your target journal that you can use to create your outline.
How do I Stay Motivated and Finish?
After nearly 20 years of working together, while we are both still working clinicians, we have identified pearls that help move our thoughts into projects and ultimately publications. Be serious about your timeline and keep yourself on track. Consider collaborating with an accountability partner. We are one another's accountability partners. We have scheduled deadlines for each piece of the project and hold one another to them. Secondly, we have differing strengths. While one of us is conceptual and enjoys the larger picture, the other is more quantitative and enjoys tables and figures. Find an accountability partner with differing strengths. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help and have someone else read it to receive feedback before final submission.
Conclusion
Publication is an essential way to contribute to the transplant body of literature. Once you construct a plan, the process of publication is not as overwhelming as it initially seemed. Ultimately, be patient with yourself. Even though this process may seem hard at times, the reward is substantial. Remember, as transplant professionals it is not only our responsibility to learn from the literature, but to contribute to it as well.