Anatomy of a Paper

Question 1

Sections of a research paper include?

Answer 1

Title
Abstract
Intro
Methods
Discussion
Conclusion

Question 2

The Title

Answer 2

Insight to the research question
Insight to the study design
Insight on special population

Question 3

The Authors

Answer 3

Typically multidisciplinary (med, informatics, statisticians)
1 or 2 primary authors (remaining review the work)
Check for conflicts of interest

Question 4

Abstract

Answer 4

BRIEF summary of study (200-300 words)
Freely available
Emphasis focuses on methods and main results

Question 5

Introduction

Answer 5

Lays the foundation
Defines the problem and the importance
Rational for the study (research question and hypothesis)
Not a review of the literature or pathophysiology
2-3 paragraphs

Question 6

Methods

Answer 6

MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PAPER
In detail how the study was performed
Structured: subjects/facilities, treatment/interventions, statistical methods

Question 7

Subjects

Answer 7

Describes the people in the study
How they were recruited
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Facility (inpt, outpt, LTCF)

Question 8

Intervention

Answer 8

Clinical procedure/protocol
Describes the intervention: blinding, randomization, dosing, length
Includes Measurements: clinical and administrative (deaths, adherence, rehospitalization)

Question 9

Statistical Methods

Answer 9

Most important part of methods section

Important bc: defines the primary outcomes, tells you what is being compared and how they compared

Question 10

Results

Answer 10

States the findings without bias or commentary
Confirms or rejects hypothesis
Pt flow chart
Table describing the pts and outcomes

Question 11

Results Faux Pas

Answer 11

Failure to provide data to answer the research question
Adding interpretation to the findings
Failure to address the statistics

Question 12

Discussion/Conclusion

Answer 12

Answer the research question
Interpretation of the results
Limitations
ID further questions