Writing Scientific Manuscripts: A Practical Guide

Introduction

In the field of medicine, physicians often come across unexpected situations or innovative ideas that require
further investigation. This process involves formulating hypotheses, conducting research, and presenting the
findings at conferences. However, the ultimate goal is to publish a scientific manuscript in a journal. Many
individuals, including scholars, interns, residents, and experienced physicians, struggle with the task of writing
a full manuscript. This resource aims to provide a practical strategy for systematizing the writing of scientific
paragraphs, simplifying the process of scientific writing and increasing the rate of publication.

The Evolution of Scientific Communication

Over the centuries, the format of scientific communication has evolved significantly, leading to more objective
and standardized reading. One important tool in this process is the IMRaD format, which stands for
Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. This format has gained popularity and is now recommended
and adopted by major medical journals worldwide, including the ABC (Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia).

Understanding the IMRaD Format

The IMRaD format serves as a guideline for structuring scientific manuscripts. It consists of four main sections:

1. Introduction: This section provides background information, states the research question or objective, and
outlines the significance of the study.

2. Methods: In this section, the research methodology, including study design, data collection, and statistical
analysis, is described in detail.

3. Results: The findings of the study are presented in this section, using tables, graphs, or other appropriate
means of data representation.

4. Discussion: The discussion section interprets the results, compares them with existing literature, and
provides insights, limitations, and future directions for research.

Standardizing the Writing Process

To simplify the task of scientific writing, it is helpful to follow a standardized approach. Based on an analysis of
published manuscripts, it has been observed that the average number of paragraphs in an original manuscript
is around 25-30. The distribution of paragraphs among the IMRaD sections may vary, but the introduction
generally has fewer paragraphs compared to the other sections.

Practical Content Model for an Original Manuscript

To assist in the writing process, a simple content model can be followed within the IMRaD format. The following
breakdown of paragraphs is suggested:
1. Introduction: 2-4 paragraphs
2. Methods: 8-9 paragraphs
3. Results: 8-9 paragraphs
4. Discussion: 6-7 paragraphs

It is important to note that these numbers are approximate and may vary depending on the specific
requirements of the journal.

Conclusion

Writing a scientific manuscript can be a daunting task, but by following the IMRaD format and using a practical
content model, the process can be simplified. This resource has provided an overview of the IMRaD format,
highlighted the importance of standardization in scientific communication, and offered a practical strategy for
writing scientific paragraphs. By implementing these guidelines, individuals can increase their chances of
successfully publishing their research in reputable journals.

Writing Scientific Manuscripts: A Practical Guide

Introduction

In the field of medicine, physicians often come across unexpected situations or innovative ideas that require
further investigation. This process involves formulating hypotheses, conducting research, and presenting the
findings at conferences. However, the ultimate goal is to publish a scientific manuscript in a journal. Many
individuals, including scholars, interns, residents, and experienced physicians, struggle with the task of writing
a full manuscript. This resource aims to provide a practical strategy for systematizing the writing of scientific
paragraphs, simplifying the process of scientific writing, and increasing the rate of publication.

The Evolution of Scientific Communication

Over the centuries, the format of scientific communication has evolved significantly, leading to more objective
and standardized reading. One important tool in this process is the IMRaD format, which stands for
Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. This format has gained popularity and is now recommended
and adopted by major medical journals worldwide, including the ABC (Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia).

Understanding the IMRaD Format

The IMRaD format serves as a guideline for structuring scientific manuscripts. It consists of four main sections:

1. Introduction: This section provides background information, states the research question or objective, and
outlines the significance of the study. For example, if a researcher is investigating the effects of a new drug on
blood pressure, the introduction would briefly explain the prevalence of hypertension and the need for new
treatment options.

2. Methods: In this section, the research methodology, including study design, data collection, and statistical
analysis, is described in detail. For instance, if the study involved a randomized controlled trial, the methods
section would outline the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the intervention protocol, and the outcome measures
used.

3. Results: The findings of the study are presented in this section, using tables, graphs, or other appropriate
means of data representation. For example, if the study found that the new drug significantly reduced blood
pressure compared to a placebo, the results section would present the numerical data, statistical analysis, and
any relevant visual representations.

4. Discussion: The discussion section interprets the results, compares them with existing literature, and
provides insights, limitations, and future directions for research. Continuing with the previous example, the
discussion section would discuss the implications of the findings, potential mechanisms of action, and areas for
further investigation.

Standardizing the Writing Process

To simplify the task of scientific writing, it is helpful to follow a standardized approach. Based on an analysis of
published manuscripts, it has been observed that the average number of paragraphs in an original manuscript
is around 25-30. The distribution of paragraphs among the IMRaD sections may vary, but the introduction
generally has fewer paragraphs compared to the other sections.

Practical Content Model for an Original Manuscript

To assist in the writing process, a simple content model can be followed within the IMRaD format. The following
breakdown of paragraphs is suggested:

1. Introduction: 2-4 paragraphs

- Paragraph 1: Background information and context
- Paragraph 2: Research question or objective
- Paragraph 3: Significance of the study
- Paragraph 4: Optional additional information or literature review

2. Methods: 8-9 paragraphs

- Paragraph 1: Study design and setting
- Paragraph 2: Participants or subjects
- Paragraph 3: Intervention or procedure
- Paragraph 4: Data collection methods
- Paragraph 5: Statistical analysis
- Paragraph 6: Ethical considerations
- Paragraph 7: Sample size calculation
- Paragraph 8: Optional additional methods or details
- Paragraph 9: Optional power analysis or sensitivity analysis

3. Results: 8-9 paragraphs

- Paragraph 1: Summary of the main findings
- Paragraph 2: Presentation of numerical data
- Paragraph 3: Presentation of graphical data
- Paragraph 4: Subgroup or secondary analyses
- Paragraph 5: Sensitivity analyses or additional results
- Paragraph 6: Statistical significance and confidence intervals
- Paragraph 7: Limitations of the study
 - Paragraph 8: Optional additional results or findings
- Paragraph 9: Optional discussion of unexpected or contradictory results

4. Discussion: 6-7 paragraphs

- Paragraph 1: Interpretation of the results
- Paragraph 2: Comparison with existing literature
- Paragraph 3: Strengths of the study
- Paragraph 4: Limitations of the study
- Paragraph 5: Implications for clinical practice or future research
- Paragraph 6: Conclusion and closing remarks
- Paragraph 7: Optional additional discussion points or recommendations

It is important to note that these numbers are approximate and may vary depending on the specific
requirements of the journal.

Conclusion

Writing a scientific manuscript can be a daunting task, but by following the IMRaD format and using a practical
content model, the process can be simplified. This resource has provided an overview of the IMRaD format,
highlighted the importance of standardization in scientific communication, and offered a practical strategy for
writing scientific paragraphs. By implementing these guidelines, individuals can increase their chances of
successfully publishing their research in reputable journals.