Checklist for Authors

Introduction

Does the introduction adequately:

• State the problem?
• Review the background to the study?
• State the aims?
• Is the introduction of reasonable length (two to four paragraphs)?

Materials and Methods

• Are ethical issues addressed?
• Are the subjects and method of recruitment detailed?
• Are inclusion or exclusion criteria adequately defined?
• Is the method of randomisation described?
• Are the study and control groups clearly described?
• Is the equipment adequately described?
• Are the study methods clear and appropriate?
• Has the sample size been justified?
• Are the statistical analyses suitable?

Results

• Are study numbers stated and withdrawals accounted for?
• Are the results stated with adequate detail and clarity?
• Are the statistical analyses clearly presented?
• Are the figures and tables clear and appropriate descriptive legends included?
• Is repetition of results avoided?

Discussion

• Does the initial section of the discussion relate to the main findings?
• Does the discussion add usefully to the paper?
• Does the discussion:
  1. fairly review previous work? 
  2. adequately consider limitations of the study? 
  3. draw logical conclusions? 
  4. indicate areas requiring further study?
• Do the conclusions answer the aims of the study?
• Are the conclusions justified by the results of the study?

References

• Is the number of references reasonable?
• Are the references relevant and representative of a balanced view?
• Are important references omitted?
• Are the references formatted according to the “Instructions to Authors”?