Methods Article
Definition: Methods articles can be for proposed or ongoing prospective clinical research and should provide a detailed account of the hypothesis, rationale, and methodology of the study.
Protocols of randomized controlled trials should follow the CONSORT guidelines and must have a trial registration number.
Word Count: A study protocol should contain 2000 - 3000 words with a structured abstract of 300 words maximum.
Study protocols should comprise sections of:
Background
Methods/Design
Discussion
In a methods article, the maximum number of:
Tables or figures are 3
References are 25
Please do not use abbreviations or references in the abstract.
Trial Registration, if your singular is a protocol of a controlled health care intervention, please list the trial registry, along with the unique identifying number, e.g. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN73824458.