Journal statistics 2017
Overall acceptance rate: 33%
Mean time to decision: 39 days For a downloadable copy of the author instructions please click here Instructions for Authors Thank you for choosing to submit your manuscript for publication through the Rwanda Medical Journal (RMJ). These instructions will ensure that you understand which types of manuscripts the journal accepts and that your submission is correct and ready to move through peer-review, production, and publication process smoothly. Please take the time to read and follow the instructions as closely as possible. Doing so will ensure your paper matches the RMJ requirements for publication. |
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The RMJ is an open-access journal which does not charge a fee for manuscript submission and is free to access. We accept the following types of manuscripts:
1. Original research
2. Review articles
3. Methodology articles (e.g., articles describing a new surgical or practical technique)
4. Case reports (including images) and case-series
5. Editorials/opinion articles
6. Quality Improvement projects
7. Letters to the editor
Authors do not incur charges for submission or publication. Please note that the RMJ will only publish manuscripts in English. Poor English should not prevent acceptance provided the paper's content is of high scientific quality. Articles can be submitted in French; however, these will needed to be translated for publication.
The RMJ is a peer-reviewed journal following a double “blind” peer-review model. This means that reviewers will not know your identity and likewise we will not provide you with details of our peer-reviewers. We will provide reviewers with your designation and country of employment to provide relevance to the manuscript. After initial screening by the chief-editor and the editorial team, which takes only a few days, manuscripts are reviewed by at least two independent peer-reviewers. The journal aims to give decisions on manuscripts within 6-8 weeks.
Plagarism
The editorial team use plagiarism software to screen all submitted articles. Any related or discovered plagiarism disrupts the credibility of the article, and leads to its immediate and full rejection. In cases where significant plagiarism is identified, the editorial team may, at their discretion, contact the line-manager (supervising clinician) of the offence.
Contents policyWriting rules & stylesAll work should be presented as following:
Manuscript types
Checklists
We strongly recommend that authors use a Checklist (reporting guideline) to review their manuscript, prior to submitting. Where possible state in your manuscript which checklist you have employed (more information is available from the Equator Network (http://www.equator-network.org/).
If you are unsure which reporting guildline to use then follow this decision tree below
1. Original research
2. Review articles
3. Methodology articles (e.g., articles describing a new surgical or practical technique)
4. Case reports (including images) and case-series
5. Editorials/opinion articles
6. Quality Improvement projects
7. Letters to the editor
Authors do not incur charges for submission or publication. Please note that the RMJ will only publish manuscripts in English. Poor English should not prevent acceptance provided the paper's content is of high scientific quality. Articles can be submitted in French; however, these will needed to be translated for publication.
The RMJ is a peer-reviewed journal following a double “blind” peer-review model. This means that reviewers will not know your identity and likewise we will not provide you with details of our peer-reviewers. We will provide reviewers with your designation and country of employment to provide relevance to the manuscript. After initial screening by the chief-editor and the editorial team, which takes only a few days, manuscripts are reviewed by at least two independent peer-reviewers. The journal aims to give decisions on manuscripts within 6-8 weeks.
Plagarism
The editorial team use plagiarism software to screen all submitted articles. Any related or discovered plagiarism disrupts the credibility of the article, and leads to its immediate and full rejection. In cases where significant plagiarism is identified, the editorial team may, at their discretion, contact the line-manager (supervising clinician) of the offence.
Contents policyWriting rules & stylesAll work should be presented as following:
Manuscript types
Checklists
We strongly recommend that authors use a Checklist (reporting guideline) to review their manuscript, prior to submitting. Where possible state in your manuscript which checklist you have employed (more information is available from the Equator Network (http://www.equator-network.org/).
If you are unsure which reporting guildline to use then follow this decision tree below
- Randomised trials - CONSORT
- Observational studies - STROBE
- Systematic reviews - PRISMA
- Study protocols - SPIRIT, PRISMA-P
- Diagnostic/prognostic studies - STARD, TRIPOD
- Case reports - CARE
- Clinical practice guidelines - AGREE, RIGHT
- Qualitative research - SRQR, COREQ
- Quality improvement studies - SQUIRE
The journal considers the following types of articles:
1. Original research:
Structure: The manuscript should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion (see writing rules & styles below for more information)
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 3500 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
Trial registration and Institutional Review Board (IRB): The IRB reference code should be reported in all manuscripts as the last line of the manuscript abstract. The trial registration number should be included where relevant
2. Reviews: We accept the following types of review articles:
i. Systematic reviews and realist reviews
ii. In-depth critical reviews in areas where these are more appropriate; e.g. coverage of issues recently up-dated. For non-commissioned reviews the editorial board recommend contacting us to discuss the concept prior to investing time into the manuscript
iii. Best-evidence topics (BETs). These are not systematic reviews but critical review articles of evidence related to a specific clinical question. Contact Dr. Peter Cartledge (peterthomascartledge@gmail.com) for more details and a Word template
Structure: the manuscript should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methods (including search strategy where relevant), Results, Discussion, Conclusion (see writing rules & styles below for more information)
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 4500 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
3. Case report or case studies:
It should be a well-described case for educational purposes and/or to extend scientific knowledge regarding unique clinical cases. These can contain unusual features of disease, treatment, transmission and/or control.
Structure: the manuscript should be divided into the following sections: Keywords, Short running Title, Abstract. Introduction, Case(s), Conclusions (see writing rules & styles below for more information).
Abstract: A short abstract (maximum 100 words) can be provided using the following two subheadings: Case, Discussion.
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 1500-2000 words (not including, title, tables, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 2
Figures: Maximum 3 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
Consent: Informed consent must be documented.
Clinical images:
Images are accepted and encouraged with the same instructions as case-reports and therefore they should include a description of the case (as above). Written consent should be obtained from patients and a copy of the consent form included with the submission.
4. Methodology articles:
New experimental methods, tests, techniques, or procedures. These should be completely new (novel) or improved, and/or compared with different methods
Structure: should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methodology, Conclusions (see Writing rules & styles below for more information)
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 3500 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
5. Editorial/Opinion articles:Editorials are short opinion papers.
These articles might mostly be object to critical and opened discussion categorized as ‘’commentaries‘’. These are normally commissioned and should always be discussed with the editorial board prior to starting work on the manuscript.
Structure: Short, narrow and focused
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 2500 words (including, references)
Tables and figures: Maximum 2 (e.g. 1 Table & 1 figure) produced to high quality. Tables and figures should be inserted in the text where they would appear in the manuscript. Do not attach as appendices.
6. Quality improvement project
Quality Improvement projects that have not been published in other peer-reviewed journals:
These should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion (see writing rules & styles below for more information). If a traditional IMRaD structure is not used then authors may choose to present in a PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) format
Methodology: How was the QI project undertaken
Results: What was found and how did care improve
Discussion: What are the implications and potential for wider application.
References: IEEE style, no limit on the number of references
Word limit: 3000 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 - produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single-spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a "page break."
Trial registration and Institutional Review Board (IRB): Quality Improvement projects do not require IRB review for publication. However authors should state that the project has been reviewed by the local hospital. No patient identifiable information should be included. Any images of humans should come with consent.
Checklist: Prior to submitting, authors should review and amend their manuscript to ensure that the content complies with the relevant checklist. Authors should state the name of the checklist they have used and reference it in the body of the manuscript. E.g. SQUIRE
7. Letters to the editor/short communication:
These are short pieces commenting on articles published through RMJ within the last 6 months (i.e. last two issues). These could include advocacy of a published RMJ article with a supporting argument or case etc. A rebuttal of a published RMJ article with supporting evidence would also be appropriate.
Letters to the editor only receive peer-review by 1 reviewer, and commentary is sought from the author of the original article. Final acceptance is at the discretion of the chief-editor.
Structure: Short, narrow, and focused
References: IEEE style, maximum five references (if commenting on a previous article from the RMJ then please reference this).
Word limit: 750 words (not including references)
Tables and figures: None
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submitting the manuscript
Please have the following information and documentation ready when you submit your manuscript (in the submission form):
Three documents should be submitted
1. Accompanying letter: summarising the work and the importance of the manuscript. This should also state that the work is original (not submitted elsewhere) and that all named authors has taken responsibility for the work.
2. Author details: A separate word file with all the authors’ names preceded by initials of their first names, affiliated institutions, as well as the name and full address of the corresponding author should be provided. Please ensure that all names and affiliations are correctly spelt as this is how they will appear in final print.
3. Manuscript: without any author information within the document.
Authorship
We adhere to the criteria of the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors). Please consult the ICMJE website for more information. We require confirmation that ALL authors have read, understood, and are bound to the journal rules.
Authorship is constituted by:
· Substantial contributions to the conception OR design of the work; OR the acquisition, analysis, OR interpretation of data for the work; AND
· Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; AND
· Final approval of the version to be published; AND
· Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
The RMJ does not publish papers that make use of data, infrastructure, or personnel in a foreign country without involving at least one scientist from that foreign country as an author.
Any involvement not included in these criteria would be considered as ‘’Contributorship‘’.
Before assessment of the authorship declaration, ALL authors must be aware of it and agree to be listed.
All authors should agree that no person who meets the criteria (above) has been omitted and that conflicts of interest are acknowledged and fully declared.
Conflict of interest
The ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) give guidance on conflicts of interest (click here)
As per ICMJE guidance articles should be published with a statement of any conflict of interest form, declaring:
· Authors’ conflicts of interest; and
· Sources of support for the work, including sponsor names along with explanations of the role of those sources if any in study design; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; writing of the report; the decision to submit the report for publication; or a statement declaring that the supporting source had no such involvement; and
· Whether the authors had access to the study data, with an explanation of the nature and extent of access, including whether access is on-going.
Acceptance/RejectionDecisions of whether to accept or reject a manuscript are based on the reviews given by peer-reviewers. The peer-review form is available below as an appendix. Many authors find it helpful to read this and rework their manuscript using the information held in this peer-review form.
Editorial expert board (EEB)
The journal uses a double-blind peer review process for the review of manuscripts submitted for publication in the journal.
Articles Approval and PublicationEvery article shall be reviewed by a minimum of two independent peer-reviewers before they are accepted (except letters to the editor). The journal uses a double blind peer-review process. In case the committee believes that the article would require a substantial redrafting, suggestions shall be made and the reviewers shall proceed with a review of both style and language. Articles shall remain the authors’ property even after publication.
Online Open accessFor any published article, the author shall access the entire content as published through the journal online web publisher: www.bioline.org.br/rw.
Structure for manuscript:
Font: 12 size font, single spaced
Tables: At the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
Figures: Should be submitted as separate high-quality image file (e.g. TIFF, JPEG etc.)
Title: The title of the article should be concise and informative.
Abstract:
Maximum 250 words.
This is a synopsis, not an introduction to the article, which is informative and divided into 5 paragraphs with the following headings:
Background: a brief summation of previous research/opinions related to the body of work
Objective: stating the purposes/aims of the work; the research undergone, the hypothesis tested or the procedure evaluated.
Methods: briefly stating what was done and what materials were used, including the number of subjects, the methods to assess the data and to control bias.
Results: providing the findings of the study, including indicators of statistical significance, actual numbers, as well as percentages.
Conclusion: Summarizing in 1-2 sentences the conclusions of the work on the basis of the results. It emphasizes new and important aspects of the study or observations.
Keywords: Following the abstract. Up to five keywords or short phrases that assist indexers in cross-indexing the article. These should be terms found in the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) index (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/). These keywords are published with the article.
The main text:
The text of observational and experimental articles is divided into sections with the following headings:
· Introduction
· Methods
· Results
· Discussion
· Conclusion
Abbreviations should be spelled out the first time a term is given in the text.
Introduction: should always begin the text, and requires brevity and focus. Long articles may need subheadings to clarify their content. Different articles may be adapted according to their type. It conveys the nature and purpose of the work and quotes the relevant literature. Only strictly pertinent background information is necessary for understanding why the topic is important and why the study was undertaken. We suggest that the final paragraph clearly states the hypothesis or purpose of the study.
Methods: Details of clinical and technical procedures should follow the introduction. A clear description of the selection of the observational or experimental subjects should be given. The identification of all aspects of the study, it’s reasoning, and the related relevance should be explicitly justified. The criteria of subject exclusion or inclusion should be discussed. Identify in sufficient detail the methods, instrumentation, procedures, and all drugs and chemicals used (including generic names, doses, routes of administration) to allow other workers to reproduce the study.
Results: A logical sequence of presentation of results is required in the text; along with tables, and illustrations. Repetition of data from illustrations into the text should be avoided; however, emphasizing or summarizing important observations can be helpful.
Define all statistical terms including abbreviations and/or the most used symbols.
Any complications and/or unexpected results should be reported and the plausible explanation(s) given. The authors should also report losses to observation, such as dropouts from a clinical trial.
Statistics: Statistical methods should be described with enough details to enable a knowledgeable reader with access to the original data to verify the reported results..
Discussion: Use subheadings if required. Start the discussion with a clear response to the objectives of the study, but avoid the following:
· Unqualified statement not completely supported by the data
· Statement on economic benefits and costs unless the report includes economic data and analyses
· Claim of priority and alluding to work that has not been completed.
Emphasize the new and important aspects of the study and the conclusions that follow from them. Avoid repetition of details included in other parts of the manuscript. This section requires that the limitations of the study are mentioned.
New hypotheses can be suggested, when warranted, but they should be clearly labelled as such; and recommendations, when appropriate and needed, may be provided.
Acknowledgments: List all contributors who do not meet the criteria of authorship, such as those who provided purely technical help, writing assistance, or a department chair who provided only general support. Their respective contribution will be acknowledged as provided. Each contributor must have provide permission to be acknowledged.
Citing articles:
The journal uses the IEEE style (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) for referencing the citations. Guidance on using IEEE are available at: http://www.ijssst.info/info/IEEE-Citation-StyleGuide.pdf
This journal recommends that authors use a reference manager (e.g. Mendeley) to cite and manage references. IEEE is available on Mendeley. If citing unpublished work, the authors are responsible for obtaining permission and confirming the accuracy of the work.
Submit an article at our website
www.rwandamedicaljournal.org
1. Original research:
Structure: The manuscript should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion (see writing rules & styles below for more information)
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 3500 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
Trial registration and Institutional Review Board (IRB): The IRB reference code should be reported in all manuscripts as the last line of the manuscript abstract. The trial registration number should be included where relevant
2. Reviews: We accept the following types of review articles:
i. Systematic reviews and realist reviews
ii. In-depth critical reviews in areas where these are more appropriate; e.g. coverage of issues recently up-dated. For non-commissioned reviews the editorial board recommend contacting us to discuss the concept prior to investing time into the manuscript
iii. Best-evidence topics (BETs). These are not systematic reviews but critical review articles of evidence related to a specific clinical question. Contact Dr. Peter Cartledge (peterthomascartledge@gmail.com) for more details and a Word template
Structure: the manuscript should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methods (including search strategy where relevant), Results, Discussion, Conclusion (see writing rules & styles below for more information)
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 4500 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
3. Case report or case studies:
It should be a well-described case for educational purposes and/or to extend scientific knowledge regarding unique clinical cases. These can contain unusual features of disease, treatment, transmission and/or control.
Structure: the manuscript should be divided into the following sections: Keywords, Short running Title, Abstract. Introduction, Case(s), Conclusions (see writing rules & styles below for more information).
Abstract: A short abstract (maximum 100 words) can be provided using the following two subheadings: Case, Discussion.
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 1500-2000 words (not including, title, tables, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 2
Figures: Maximum 3 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
Consent: Informed consent must be documented.
Clinical images:
Images are accepted and encouraged with the same instructions as case-reports and therefore they should include a description of the case (as above). Written consent should be obtained from patients and a copy of the consent form included with the submission.
4. Methodology articles:
New experimental methods, tests, techniques, or procedures. These should be completely new (novel) or improved, and/or compared with different methods
Structure: should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methodology, Conclusions (see Writing rules & styles below for more information)
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 3500 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
5. Editorial/Opinion articles:Editorials are short opinion papers.
These articles might mostly be object to critical and opened discussion categorized as ‘’commentaries‘’. These are normally commissioned and should always be discussed with the editorial board prior to starting work on the manuscript.
Structure: Short, narrow and focused
References: IEEE style, no limit on number of references
Word limit: 2500 words (including, references)
Tables and figures: Maximum 2 (e.g. 1 Table & 1 figure) produced to high quality. Tables and figures should be inserted in the text where they would appear in the manuscript. Do not attach as appendices.
6. Quality improvement project
Quality Improvement projects that have not been published in other peer-reviewed journals:
These should be divided into the following sections: Abstract (max 250 words), Keywords, Short running Title, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion (see writing rules & styles below for more information). If a traditional IMRaD structure is not used then authors may choose to present in a PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) format
Methodology: How was the QI project undertaken
Results: What was found and how did care improve
Discussion: What are the implications and potential for wider application.
References: IEEE style, no limit on the number of references
Word limit: 3000 words (not including, title, abstract and/or references)
Tables: Maximum 4
Figures: Maximum 4 - produced to high quality.
Tables and figures should be presented at the end of the manuscript after the references, single-spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a "page break."
Trial registration and Institutional Review Board (IRB): Quality Improvement projects do not require IRB review for publication. However authors should state that the project has been reviewed by the local hospital. No patient identifiable information should be included. Any images of humans should come with consent.
Checklist: Prior to submitting, authors should review and amend their manuscript to ensure that the content complies with the relevant checklist. Authors should state the name of the checklist they have used and reference it in the body of the manuscript. E.g. SQUIRE
7. Letters to the editor/short communication:
These are short pieces commenting on articles published through RMJ within the last 6 months (i.e. last two issues). These could include advocacy of a published RMJ article with a supporting argument or case etc. A rebuttal of a published RMJ article with supporting evidence would also be appropriate.
Letters to the editor only receive peer-review by 1 reviewer, and commentary is sought from the author of the original article. Final acceptance is at the discretion of the chief-editor.
Structure: Short, narrow, and focused
References: IEEE style, maximum five references (if commenting on a previous article from the RMJ then please reference this).
Word limit: 750 words (not including references)
Tables and figures: None
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submitting the manuscript
Please have the following information and documentation ready when you submit your manuscript (in the submission form):
- Each author's name, address, and e-mail address, if possible.
- Each author's affiliation and qualifications.
- The name of the author who will deal with correspondence and proofs; His/Her email address must be submitted with the manuscript.
- For animal or human studies that involve data collected actively and purposely, we require a signed statement from the corresponding or primary author that ethical approval was granted by an appropriate institution. Institutional Review Board (IRB), or equivalent, letters of approval should be submitted with the manuscript. IRB, or equivalent, reference codes should be included in the manuscript.
Three documents should be submitted
1. Accompanying letter: summarising the work and the importance of the manuscript. This should also state that the work is original (not submitted elsewhere) and that all named authors has taken responsibility for the work.
2. Author details: A separate word file with all the authors’ names preceded by initials of their first names, affiliated institutions, as well as the name and full address of the corresponding author should be provided. Please ensure that all names and affiliations are correctly spelt as this is how they will appear in final print.
3. Manuscript: without any author information within the document.
Authorship
We adhere to the criteria of the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors). Please consult the ICMJE website for more information. We require confirmation that ALL authors have read, understood, and are bound to the journal rules.
Authorship is constituted by:
· Substantial contributions to the conception OR design of the work; OR the acquisition, analysis, OR interpretation of data for the work; AND
· Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; AND
· Final approval of the version to be published; AND
· Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
The RMJ does not publish papers that make use of data, infrastructure, or personnel in a foreign country without involving at least one scientist from that foreign country as an author.
Any involvement not included in these criteria would be considered as ‘’Contributorship‘’.
Before assessment of the authorship declaration, ALL authors must be aware of it and agree to be listed.
All authors should agree that no person who meets the criteria (above) has been omitted and that conflicts of interest are acknowledged and fully declared.
Conflict of interest
The ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) give guidance on conflicts of interest (click here)
As per ICMJE guidance articles should be published with a statement of any conflict of interest form, declaring:
· Authors’ conflicts of interest; and
· Sources of support for the work, including sponsor names along with explanations of the role of those sources if any in study design; collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; writing of the report; the decision to submit the report for publication; or a statement declaring that the supporting source had no such involvement; and
· Whether the authors had access to the study data, with an explanation of the nature and extent of access, including whether access is on-going.
Acceptance/RejectionDecisions of whether to accept or reject a manuscript are based on the reviews given by peer-reviewers. The peer-review form is available below as an appendix. Many authors find it helpful to read this and rework their manuscript using the information held in this peer-review form.
Editorial expert board (EEB)
The journal uses a double-blind peer review process for the review of manuscripts submitted for publication in the journal.
Articles Approval and PublicationEvery article shall be reviewed by a minimum of two independent peer-reviewers before they are accepted (except letters to the editor). The journal uses a double blind peer-review process. In case the committee believes that the article would require a substantial redrafting, suggestions shall be made and the reviewers shall proceed with a review of both style and language. Articles shall remain the authors’ property even after publication.
Online Open accessFor any published article, the author shall access the entire content as published through the journal online web publisher: www.bioline.org.br/rw.
Structure for manuscript:
Font: 12 size font, single spaced
Tables: At the end of the manuscript after the references, single spaced, each table and figure on a separate page, starting with a “page break”.
Figures: Should be submitted as separate high-quality image file (e.g. TIFF, JPEG etc.)
Title: The title of the article should be concise and informative.
Abstract:
Maximum 250 words.
This is a synopsis, not an introduction to the article, which is informative and divided into 5 paragraphs with the following headings:
Background: a brief summation of previous research/opinions related to the body of work
Objective: stating the purposes/aims of the work; the research undergone, the hypothesis tested or the procedure evaluated.
Methods: briefly stating what was done and what materials were used, including the number of subjects, the methods to assess the data and to control bias.
Results: providing the findings of the study, including indicators of statistical significance, actual numbers, as well as percentages.
Conclusion: Summarizing in 1-2 sentences the conclusions of the work on the basis of the results. It emphasizes new and important aspects of the study or observations.
Keywords: Following the abstract. Up to five keywords or short phrases that assist indexers in cross-indexing the article. These should be terms found in the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) index (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/). These keywords are published with the article.
The main text:
The text of observational and experimental articles is divided into sections with the following headings:
· Introduction
· Methods
· Results
· Discussion
· Conclusion
Abbreviations should be spelled out the first time a term is given in the text.
Introduction: should always begin the text, and requires brevity and focus. Long articles may need subheadings to clarify their content. Different articles may be adapted according to their type. It conveys the nature and purpose of the work and quotes the relevant literature. Only strictly pertinent background information is necessary for understanding why the topic is important and why the study was undertaken. We suggest that the final paragraph clearly states the hypothesis or purpose of the study.
Methods: Details of clinical and technical procedures should follow the introduction. A clear description of the selection of the observational or experimental subjects should be given. The identification of all aspects of the study, it’s reasoning, and the related relevance should be explicitly justified. The criteria of subject exclusion or inclusion should be discussed. Identify in sufficient detail the methods, instrumentation, procedures, and all drugs and chemicals used (including generic names, doses, routes of administration) to allow other workers to reproduce the study.
Results: A logical sequence of presentation of results is required in the text; along with tables, and illustrations. Repetition of data from illustrations into the text should be avoided; however, emphasizing or summarizing important observations can be helpful.
Define all statistical terms including abbreviations and/or the most used symbols.
Any complications and/or unexpected results should be reported and the plausible explanation(s) given. The authors should also report losses to observation, such as dropouts from a clinical trial.
Statistics: Statistical methods should be described with enough details to enable a knowledgeable reader with access to the original data to verify the reported results..
Discussion: Use subheadings if required. Start the discussion with a clear response to the objectives of the study, but avoid the following:
· Unqualified statement not completely supported by the data
· Statement on economic benefits and costs unless the report includes economic data and analyses
· Claim of priority and alluding to work that has not been completed.
Emphasize the new and important aspects of the study and the conclusions that follow from them. Avoid repetition of details included in other parts of the manuscript. This section requires that the limitations of the study are mentioned.
New hypotheses can be suggested, when warranted, but they should be clearly labelled as such; and recommendations, when appropriate and needed, may be provided.
Acknowledgments: List all contributors who do not meet the criteria of authorship, such as those who provided purely technical help, writing assistance, or a department chair who provided only general support. Their respective contribution will be acknowledged as provided. Each contributor must have provide permission to be acknowledged.
Citing articles:
The journal uses the IEEE style (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) for referencing the citations. Guidance on using IEEE are available at: http://www.ijssst.info/info/IEEE-Citation-StyleGuide.pdf
This journal recommends that authors use a reference manager (e.g. Mendeley) to cite and manage references. IEEE is available on Mendeley. If citing unpublished work, the authors are responsible for obtaining permission and confirming the accuracy of the work.
Submit an article at our website
www.rwandamedicaljournal.org
Policy Timeline:
Reviewed by editorial board: February 2018
Approved: 1st March 2018 (Senior editorial board meeting)
Review date: 1st March 2020
Reviewed by editorial board: February 2018
Approved: 1st March 2018 (Senior editorial board meeting)
Review date: 1st March 2020