Editor’s choice for publication—Readers need, sound methodology and scientific reporting

The main essence of a scientific publication is to share scientific knowledge to improve patients’ outcomes. If authors need publication for their professional growth, the editors need a good manuscript to maintain their journal’s standards. The success of a submitted manuscript to be published in a medical journal depends on various factors. The essential aspects that bring the publication to scientific attention are its translational value in improving patient care, robust methodology and reporting as per specified norms for a scientific publication. In this journey of manuscript, the journal editors consider the suitability of a manuscript based on its readership, a peer review and editorial discussion in addition to their judgement, which culminates in the final decision for revision, rejection or acceptance of a submitted manuscript.

The manuscript goes through various stages before a final decision for possible publication. The reviewers have a vital role in commenting on and improving the manuscript. Reviewers are genuine neutral referees who guide the journal editors in making a balanced decision about the manuscript. The reviewers decide the merit of a manuscript on various parameters, including novelty, methodology, conduct and appropriate reporting. This issue presents two essential aspects which shall be helpful for all the authors while planning and submitting a manuscript for possible publication.^[1,2] These manuscripts highlight the importance of using appropriate keywords and presenting new science to the readers.

I shall strongly suggest all the authors to go through the “instructions for authors” available on the journal website[https://journals.lww.com/ijaweb/pages/default.aspx] before submission of the manuscript to the Indian Journal of Anaesthesia (IJA). These instructions must be followed for a smoother editorial process without undue delay.^[3]

The manuscripts must be reported per reporting guidelines, and details can be assessed at the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network website (http://www.equator-network.org/). It is prudent to use appropriate reporting guidelines from the EQUATOR Network website and include all the components required to submit the manuscript. For example, the randomised controlled trials should be described based on the CONSORT statement (http://www.consort-statement.org).^[4] These reporting guidelines provide flow charts, checklists or even structured text to help the authors prepare the manuscript scientifically, including all required components before submission to a journal for publication. Indeed, these reporting guidelines should be considered at the planning stage as it ensures all components required for reporting have been taken care of during the research planning itself. When these aspects are taken care of for a research publication, its replicability is ensured, helps doctors to use research outcomes confidently for their patient benefit and even becomes a part of systematic review and/or meta-analysis.