Article types
Peer-reviewed article types
The information below provides an overview of the requirements, word limits and format for each peer-reviewed article type published in The Pharmaceutical Journal.
Authors should consult the ICMJE ‘Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals’, in particular the section on ‘Preparing a Manuscript for Submission to a Medical Journal’, prior to submitting an article to The Pharmaceutical Journal.
CPD
CPD articles provide focused, evidence-based learning content for pharmacy professionals. CPD articles are designed to meet specific learning objectives relevant to clinical practice and are peer-reviewed to ensure they are comprehensive, authoritative and accurate. CPD articles are accompanied by an online assessment, allowing readers to test their knowledge and demonstrate evidence of their learning.
Word limit: To be agreed with the commissioning editor at the time of commissioning.
Required sections:
- Title:
- Subtitle;
- Author(s) names and affiliations (including job titles);
- Introduction;
- Body of article;
- Financial disclosure/conflict of interest statement/acknowledgements (see Disclosure and conflict of interest policy);
- Author contributions;
- References: Target of 15–25 references per 1,000 words, following the Vancouver style of referencing (see How to write a reference list);
- Figures and tables (see getting your article published).
Reviews
Review articles cover areas of pharmacy, medicines use and pharmaceutical science that are topical and have advanced substantially in recent years. Review articles are engaging and focused, while retaining broad relevance to the pharmaceutical community. As peer-reviewed content, they present the best available published evidence on a topic or expert analysis and offer valuable context for readers. Authors are encouraged to provide insight into future developments and a balanced take on emerging ideas and trends.
A submitted review must demonstrate a systematic and structured approach. In particular we require authors to: clearly state the question/s the review aims to answer; describe the literature search strategy/method and results; state the quality criteria used to assess papers; and explain reasons for excluded studies. Robust narrative reviews are also welcomed.
We recommend following the PRISMA guidelines and enclosing the relevant check list with the submission.
Word limit: 4,000–6,000 words (excluding references and figure/table legends) — to be agreed at the time of commissioning.
Required sections:
- Title;
- Subtitle;
- Author(s) names and affiliations (including job titles);
- Abstract (not more than 150–200 words);
- Keywords;
- Introduction;
- Sources and selection criteria (methods);
- Body of article — findings; discussion; conclusion;
- Key points box;
- Financial disclosure/conflict of interest statement/acknowledgements (see Disclosure and conflict of interest policy);
- Author contributions;
- References: Target of 15–25 references per 1,000 words, following the Vancouver style of referencing (see How to write a reference list);
- Figures and tables (see Getting your article published).
Perspectives
The aim of perspective articles is to stimulate debate on timely subjects within pharmacy, medicines use and the pharmaceutical sciences. The author is encouraged to be opinionated and present criticism, but will argue a clear viewpoint, based on available evidence, verified by peer review, while discussing caveats and alternative views in a balanced way. Perspective articles are forward-looking and focus on areas of advancement and or controversy.
Word limit: 4,000–6,000 words
Required sections:
- Title;
- Subtitle;
- Author(s) names and affiliations (including job titles);
- Abstract, not more than 150–200 words;
- Keywords;
- Introduction;
- Body of article: findings; discussion; conclusion;
- Key points box;
- Financial disclosure/conflict of interest statement/acknowledgements (see Disclosure and conflict of interest policy)
- Author contributions;
- References: target of 15–25 references per 1,000 words, following the Vancouver style of referencing (see How to write a reference list);
- Figures and tables (see Getting your article published)
Research
From February 2021, The Pharmaceutical Journal will only consider secondary research (review and perspective articles) for publication.
Primary research submissions should instead be submitted to our sister journals for consideration for publication. Full aims and scopes, article formatting requirements and details on how to submit can be found on the journal websites:
- International Journal of Pharmacy Practice
- Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Journal of Pharmaceutical and Health Services Research
- Integrated Healthcare Journal
Non-peer-reviewed article types
News
We welcome press releases and notices of new developments for consideration as news items. These should be brought to the attention of the news desk (tel: 020 7572 2415, email: news.editor@rpharms.com)
Features
Features are long-form pieces (around 2000 words) which analyse new concepts and approaches in pharmacy, science, policy or medicines use. These articles are written by professional journalists and aim to be entertaining, imaginative and informative, with eye-catching illustrations and/or infographics. If you are a journalist with an article idea to pitch, please contact our Features Editor.
Comment
Comment articles are around 1,200 words long and should be authoritative and engaging opinions on topical issues, with relevance to pharmacy professionals. They should be structured, argue for change and outline the implications of legal or policy changes and what they mean for people, healthcare and the pharmacy profession. If you wish to contribute a comment or a column, please contact editor@pharmaceutical-journal.com with an outline of your idea.
Insight
Insight articles are around 1,500 words long and are evidence-based opinion articles on medicines or clinical practice, written by a wide range of expert authors and supported by scientific evidence. They look closely at future developments in medicines or clinical practice, with relevance for pharmacists, researchers and patients. They often focus on the application of science in practice. If you wish to contribute an insight piece, please contact editor@pharmaceutical-journal.com with an outline of your idea.
Tributes/obituaries
We welcome the submission of tributes to deceased RPS members, limited to 400 words. For individuals who made an outstanding contribution to either pharmaceutical science or practice, The Pharmaceutical Journal will author an obituary. If you wish to have someone considered for an obituary, please contact editor@pharmaceutical-journal.com.
Correspondence
Letters for publication should be emailed to correspondence@pharmaceutical-journal.com (we do not accept posted letters).
Letters are considered for publication on the understanding that they have been submitted exclusively to The Pharmaceutical Journal. A letter should relate to a single topic only and be limited to 400 words. We also accept short communications of research, pilots and projects.
We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity and style. We will not publish letters that do not meet our editorial policies or standards.
If a correspondence is critical of individuals or organisations, details of the correspondence will be sent to those concerned and a response may be published alongside the original correspondence. Anonymity will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. These circumstances will be at the discretion of the editors and the decision made in consultation with the correspondent.
Blogs
These are 800-word pieces, written by a pharmacy professional and giving a personal perspective on their work, NHS/government policy or medicines use. They are conversational in style, can cover a variety of topics and should enlighten and entertain the reader. We welcome submissions under 800 words from all pharmacy professionals. If you wish to write for us, then please send a short summary of your idea to editor@pharmaceutical-journal.com.
Learning articles
Learning articles are commissioned articles, written by experts, on topics related to pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences. Learning articles focus on timely issues, new guidelines, and soft skills that pharmacists and scientists need in order to succeed in their careers. If you wish to submit a learning article please email an outline to our Learning Editor.
Announcements
The announcements, featured in the Your RPS section, contain official notices from the RPS to its members and information about upcoming events organised by the RPS. If you would like to contribute please contact the RPS Correspondent.