Opinion Papers
Opinion papers report well-reasoned and well-articulated perspectives on topics of importance to broadly applicable to clinical research informatics and data science including new policy, regulation, technology, success or failure of initiatives and thought leader interviews. Opinion papers may present current challenges ripe for research. Opinion papers may also focus on the potential impact of recent advances or on future directions in the profession. Opinion articles often challenge and prompt critical discussion of current practices or knowledge relevant to the profession. Opinions stated in submitted manuscripts may be original or highlight particularly insightful ideas of cited others. To be considered for publication, opinions should be well-reasoned, well-articulated and balanced; with alternate options, approaches, or perspectives are mentioned or described and contrasted with those put forward by the authors. Like all other works published in JSCDM, opinion papers should be free from commercial intent or marketing.
There are no required sections for opinion papers. However, relevant section headers should be used to organize the content of the manuscript.
Word count limit: 2000 words
Abstract word count limit: 150 words; structured abstract not required
Table limit: 2
Figure limit: 3
References: unlimited
Opinion papers will undergo editorial screening and will be reviewed using a rubric to assure that all assertions are qualified as opinion or factual and cited, that the argument put forth in the manuscript is well-reasoned, well-articulated and balanced, and that the article is free from commercial intent or attempts to market products or services. The opinions communicated in the paper will not, themselves, be subject to review or critique beyond this rudimentary framework necessary to maintain freedom from bias. Unless peer-review is requested by the author, opinions communicated in the paper will not, themselves, be subject to review or critique beyond this rudimentary framework necessary to maintain SCDM’s professional reputation. Opinion papers that do not undergo peer-review will not carry a peer-reviewed designation, unless the author indicates that peer-review is required.