Freelance medical writer Jo Whelan talks about the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) guidelines on the role of medical writers in developing peer-reviewed publications.

Recorded on June 1, 2016 at a MedComms Networking event in Oxford. Produced by NetworkPharma.tv

ABSTRACT:

The EMWA guidelines on the role of medical writers in developing peer-reviewed publications, although published in 2005, remain valid and relevant. The guidelines are intended for medical writers who develop articles on behalf of named authors for publication in biomedical journals or presentations for scientific conferences. However, they may also apply to author editors and others who perform substantive editorial work in preparing publications for submission. In most cases, such work will be funded directly or indirectly by pharmaceutical companies – and the guidelines are intended to clarify the role of the medical writer, set out ethical standards and promote openness and transparency regarding the involvement of medical writers .

The EMWA Guidelines are based on the belief that medical writers have a legitimate role in assisting named authors in developing peer-reviewed publications; that well-trained writers bring expertise in the requirements and conventions of biomedical publishing, as well as language and communication skills; and that they (we) can increase the level of publications and speed up the publication process. A key element of the EMWA guidelines is that the contribution of medical writers should be openly acknowledged, together with their source of funding, and that such recognition should be specific, avoiding vague terms such as 'editorial assistance'. Medical writing is not “ghost writing” and as such should not be hidden. All medical writers should strive to ensure that publications are produced in a responsible and ethical manner, in accordance with relevant guidelines, and that they are accurate and scientifically sound. The guidelines provide specific guidelines for preparing review articles.

Written by Penny Gray, freelance medical writer

We are building a library of free webcasts, like this one, for the global MedComms community and others at http://www.networkpharma.tv and we welcome your suggestions for new topics and speakers.

Full details of this MedComms Networking event can be found at http://medcommsnetworking.com/event74.html

Jo's presentation (PDF format) can be found at http://medcommsnetworking.com/presentations/whelan_02_010616.pdf

Jo's Linkedin page can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-whelan-70b77b12/

More about EMWA and their positioning statement can be found at http://www.emwa.org

Ref: Jacobs A, Wager E. Guidelines from the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) on the role of medical writers in developing peer-reviewed publications. Curr Med Res Opin 2005;21:317-321 can be found at http://www.emwa.org/documents/about_us/EMWAguidelines.pdf

More about Jo Whelan can be found at:

Website: http://www.textpharm.com

Filming and technical direction by Mario Crispino, freelance cameraman and editor

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