We have provided details for the article types we currently accept. Word counts do not include abstracts, tables, statements around funding or competing interests, ethical approval, acknowledgements or references. In all article types, other than full research articles, word counts are constrained by page size for the printed journal and articles may be edited to meet these limitations.
Editorials should address a topic that is important and relevant to our readership. They should be concise, thought provoking, authoritative and reflect current expert opinion. Editorials are usually commissioned but we welcome suggestions and we recommend contacting the Editor via the BJGP office to discuss (journal@rcgp.org.uk).
Word count: 850-1200 words
Figures and tables: 1 figure or table (optional)
References: 8-12 references
Open access publication is optional for Editorials. Please see Other Article Types on our Open Access Publication on our Process and Policies Page.
Articles should be a critical academic analysis of a topic relating to clinical practice, policy, ethics, science, or primary care organisation. The emphasis is on the critical analysis. We welcome discussion and debate on topics that are relevant and important to our readership that includes practising GPs and clinicians, primary care researchers, and policy makers. Analysis articles should not present new data, include new research findings, or promote a service or product.
We recommend that articles be co-authored by GPs and specialists working together and we encourage different perspectives and international collaboration. Articles written by specialist colleagues alone are unlikely to meet the needs of our readership.
Analysis articles will normally be either 2 pages or 4 pages in the print BJGP.
2-page Analysis
Word count: 1200 word maximum
Figures and tables: A single figure, table or box
References: up to 12 references
4-page Analysis
Word count: 2000 word maximum
Figures and tables: 2–3 figures or tables depending on exact nature
References: 12-20 references
In all cases, more figures/tables can be accommodated but the word count may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Open access publication is optional for Analysis articles. Please see Other Article Types on our Open Access Publication on our Process and Policies Page.
Articles should include a detailed declaration of potential competing interests. If you think you may have a competing interest, please discuss this in advance with the editor as we do not wish to disappoint you at a later stage.
We no longer publish case reports but we encourage the use of patient scenarios and vignettes to illustrate learning points for readers in this section. Please see below for details on requirements for patient consent.
We recommend that articles are co-authored by GPs and specialists working together and we encourage different perspectives and international input. Articles written by specialist colleagues alone are unlikely to meet the needs of our readership.
Clinical Practice articles should be a practical structured synopsis of the latest information about a condition, or aspect of a condition, and how to manage it. This section is not just about summarising factual information but aims to give the busy reader the very latest clinical information to help clinical practice or the latest science to inform clinical judgment. The aim is to help manage patients in the consultation.
We recommend that authors, where possible, structure the article around key clinical questions that are clearly answered in the text.
Areas covered should include diagnosis, prevalence, red flags, differential diagnoses, treatment, prognosis or recent advances, and will vary depending on the topic.
The key to submissions is that they are directly helpful to everyday general practice and we prioritise articles where there is not already existing guidance in an accessible form.
Short tables, boxes, figures, diagrams, infographics can augment the text. Authors should be aware that the word count may need to be reduced to accommodate figures, boxes and tables upon the page depending on their quantity and size.
Word count: 800-1000 words
Figures and tables: 1-2 figures, tables or boxes. See Clinical Practice article template [PDF].
References: 5-8 references
Open access publication is optional for Clinical Practice articles. Please see Other Article Types on our Open Access Publication on our Process and Policies Page.
The BJGP publishes Letters online and in print. Letters for the print issue should be no more than 350 words. Information is available at Letters & Discussion
We publish a wide variety of viewpoint, opinion and review articles for the Life & Times section of the print BJGP on our website BJGP Life alongside other multimedia content. We then select from there for the print journal.
We want to ensure that there is a place in the BJGP’s pages for articles which reflect that general practice touches on all aspects of life. Do not feel the need to be constrained by the requirements of standard scientific writing; it is more important to be readable and engaging.
Full details on article types, style and advice for authors can be found at: BJGP Life Contribute
Columnists
BJGP publishes a number of regular columnists and we rotate from time to time. We issue calls for new columnists periodically. These columns are not published on BJGP Life.
Patients
It is essential to obtain permission from any patient whose story is to be used as part of an article. A signed statement of informed consent to publish (in print and online) is required. Such persons should be offered the opportunity to see the manuscript before its submission.
References
Please use the Vancouver style for all references.
Editorials, Analysis articles, and Clinical Practice articles should be submitted via the BJGP submission system: BJGP ScholarOne Manuscripts (see 'Submit' button above). When you register, make sure you enter your email address correctly, otherwise we’ll have no way of contacting you. If your email address changes, remember to update your profile.
Articles and queries for BJGP Life/Life & Times should be not be sent via ScholarOne and can be submitted on the BJGP Life site: Submit an article to BJGP Life.
