In Practice

Guideline word limit: 2 000 - 3 000words

This section includes articles that would previously have been accepted into the Forum section.

In practice articles are those that draw attention to specific issues of clinical, economic or political interest regarding medicine and healthcare in southern Africa. They are assigned to a topic:

An In Practice article should follow the following format – sub-headings are not necessary, but may be used for clarity:

• Author affiliations and qualifications: to be the same as for Research. Provide all authors’ names and initials, qualifications and full affiliations, and corresponding author.
• Short abstract: does not need to be structured, but should capture the essential features of the article
• Introduction: the reason for the article and the issue being addressed
• Recent research, discussion, local policy around the issue – include your own research where appropriate
• All statements should be referenced and, if opinion only, this should be stated
• Discussion: how this article adds to the discussion around a particular topic
• If a clinical practice or policy point is at issue, this needs to be emphasised, using a box with highlights if appropriate.

Essentially In practice is an opportunity for a more discursive approach to topics of clinical, economic or political importance in southern African health systems.