Overcoming writer’s block
by David Woods Asked if she liked writing, American author Dorothy Parker (1893–1967) replied that, no, she liked having written. Any writer who has sat facing a blank computer screen…
DetailsThe Gunning Fog Index: a useful tool for targeting an article to an audience
By Ruth B Murray In the 1930s, psychologists began to research how our brains process written information. They found that the longer a sentence the more difficult it is for…
DetailsBook review: Methods for the economic evaluation of health care programmes – 3rd edition
Edited by Michael F. Drummond, Mark J. Sculpher, George W. Torrance, Bernie J. O’Brien, and Greg L. Stoddart. Oxford University Press, 2005, $55/£29.50, 379 pages. Reviewed by Kevin D. Frick…
DetailsWhat is an editorial?
By David Woods, HOC editor During my eight year editorial tenure at the Canadian Medical Association Journal, I churned out some 200 articles, editorials, and reviews. One of the editorials…
DetailsWatch your language
Singular mistakes A company is singular, not plural. Rx Communications is pleased to offer its services. The same for teams and groups: The team is working hard. But: Team members…
DetailsMacro- and micro-editing
by Ruth B Murray Editing a manuscript through the draft stages to produce a final product is time consuming, but the process ensures clarity, sense, accuracy and consistency. Macro-editing Macro-editing…
DetailsHow to select a healthcare agency
By Clare Gurton There are hundreds of healthcare agencies and trying to find one that will suit your needs is difficult and potentially time-consuming. The key is to limit your…
DetailsBook review: Prevention effectiveness – 2nd edition
Edited by Anne Haddix, Steven Tuesch, and Phaedra Corso, Oxford University Press, 2002, US$45, £26.99, 286 pages. Reviewed by Kevin D. Frick This text is required reading for students…
DetailsCopyright and plagiarism: be aware
By David Woods, HOC editor It’s been said that copying from one source is plagiarism; but copying from several sources is research. Whether you’re an experienced writer or a neophyte,…
DetailsEfficient time management
By Clare Gurton Are you hopelessly busy all day yet frustrated by how little you have achieved at the end of the day? You could improve productivity by using a…
Details